James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As we addressed the issue extensively on Committee Stage, I do not believe there is much point in reading through all of what was said then. As I said previously, it is not unreasonable to talk about a maximum sentence of three years for children who have mental health issues or drug addiction problems, in particular very young children aged 13 or 14 years. However, if one has a 17 year old on a serious assault charge or a sex offence charge or in a serious drug case involving not alone use but also dealing and, most important of all, someone who is found guilty of a murder charge, I do not agree with the suggestion made by the Deputy that the maximum penalty should be three years and that the child should be out of prison at the age of 20. We must remember that there are victims involved and their families. I do not think a one-size-fits-all approach can be used. We have a judicial system that affords judges discretion to allow them to adjudicate on the specific circumstances of each individual case and the impact of the crime on victims and their families. I am sorry, but I cannot accept the amendments.

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