Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for the opportunity to speak on the Restorative Justice (Reparation of Victims) Bill 2013. I thank and commend Deputy Halligan for putting this Bill together and for bringing it before the House. It is excellent work because it puts victims first and puts forward solutions to crime and justice issues. This is not the first time Independent Deputies have shown the lead on issues of national importance or brought legislation to the House.

It is also very relevant to the debate today when the Minister for Justice and Equality has once again taken his eye off the ball of crime and justice issues. It is a disgrace that serious issues do not receive the time and emphasis they deserve. The Minister shafts whistleblowers and is involved in cover-ups and spin, while citizens are robbed, burgled or shot down on the streets. The Minister does not have the courtesy to attend this debate tonight. These are the issues that need to be dealt with. It is unacceptable that the Minister for Justice and Equality does not listen to the strong views of the majority in this House. It is a disgrace that he does not listen to the citizens or pay heed to the whistleblowers, distinguished people who have done this State a great service.

There are many burglaries in many communities, events about which the upper echelons and the elite do not hear. Most of the people being robbed are poor. Working class people are being hammered and others turn a blind eye. Many crimes are not reported. There is widespread intimidation. Families are threatened every night with guns or barrels of petrol placed outside their houses with threats of being burnt out if they say anything. These people need our help. We need to consider common sense solutions.

The Bill seeks to introduce a requirement for offenders to make a reparation for the damage caused by their crimes.

The reparations could pay for victims' medical costs or repairs to damaged property. The Bill also provides for recognition to be afforded to offenders who voluntarily make reparations prior to their trials and for court orders to compel offenders to make reparations.

Two particularly important sections are sections 5 and 6. Section 5 enables an offender to make pretrial reparations in respect of the cost of medical treatment. That is a common sense provision. Section 6 would enable an offender to make reparation for the cost of replacing or repairing items of property. Many people are under financial pressure in this time of austerity and they need and deserve any few euro they can get. This legislation aims at supporting victims and making sure offenders understand the consequences of their actions.

I want to mention the sad hit and run case of Shane O'Farrell. The perpetrator had more than 40 previous convictions and was at large on 2 August 2011 when he killed the 23 year old Shane O'Farrell. The O'Farrell family feel let down by the justice system of this State. This is another miscarriage of justice for victims and their families. I commend my colleague, Deputy Halligan, on bringing this Bill before the House and I urge all Deputies to support it.

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