Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is important that the situation of victims is recognised. We will discuss the victims' legislation in the Dáil next week. This is important legislation that will bring us in line with the EU directive in order that the last point mentioned by the Deputy is dealt with. The Law Reform Commission also suggested that judges should be in a position to decide on a minimum term, although it did not suggest any particular period. I certainly will examine that to ensure that in law, judges will be able to set a minimum.

It should be, and the recommendation from the Law Reform Commission was that it would be, a decision for judges as opposed to a minimum mandatory sentence being outlined by Government. I support that position.

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