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

I understand the points the Deputies are making. I was a member of the justice committee for five years and I did a lot of work on penal reform. I understand that committee is currently looking at penal reform.

I would like the committee to consider this as part of that process because it is integral to it. I agree that the issue should be considered and the proposal is extremely valuable but this is not the way to do it. We will look at it and I will bring a message to the Tánaiste to that effect. I would like to see the committee's deliberations as its work is very valuable. I understand it is doing work in this area and it has stated that it is interested in looking at the area of bail supports. It is not appropriate to accept the amendment now but it is a very important issue which we should bring forward and examine as soon as possible. I am committed to looking at it but it does not need to be done by legislation.

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