Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

I do not wish, and I am sure the Leas-Cheann Comhairle would not allow me, to refer to the manner in which this Criminal Justice Bill was heralded by Ministers and Government Deputies this time last year. Suffice to say that 12 months later, there are a number of gaps, two of which have been adverted to by the Minister. The urgency of the matter this time last year is perhaps even greater now from a criminal justice point of view, having regard to the increased levels of crime and very serious crime, throughout society.

From the Minister's reply I take it that the section dealing with bail is now a dead duck and will not be enshrined in law. Reading between the lines that is what the Minister has said. I wonder then why such reservations were not put forward last year, either by him, his party members or his associates in Government. I ask him to confirm that this will not now or during his tenure be subjected to a commencement order.

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