David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Bail support schemes are most commonly considered in relation to young offenders. In that regard, a bail supervision scheme for young offenders has been introduced and is being rolled out on a pilot basis in the Dublin area. This initiative operates under the aegis of my colleague, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. That said, there are no bail support schemes for adults, such as those outlined, currently in place. The amendments attempt to prescribe the recommendations which the Minister must make to Government on this issue. It is not appropriate to determine that the recommendation should be made before the policy needs have been examined. We should look at the policy needs first. As suggested by the justice committee during its debate on the Bill the issue of bail supports may be more appropriately considered by the committee as part of its work on penal reform. I am willing to consider any recommendations which may arise from such consideration.

We should allow the justice committee to have a look at this issue in depth and to bring forward recommendations in that regard. Having previously been a member of that committee, I know that work will be extremely valuable. I cannot accept the Deputies' amendments. To do so now would be premature. I ask that the Deputies allow the committee to do its work and bring forward the recommendations and following deep study of it and the policy area we will see what we can do.

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