Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government contains a commitment to "strengthen our Constitution, rule of law and our justice system for the benefit of everyone". It also commits Government to proposing "updated legislation to effectively deal with sexual offences including stronger sanctions aimed at protecting children from sexual exploitation, child abuse ... and online grooming". The Government is not responsible for lenient sentences passed by the courts but the public is increasingly worried that convicted criminals, in particular in the area of child abuse, seem to get away with very light sentences. When will the proposed legislation be delivered? What are the plans of the Government on the issue and what is the current position?

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