Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy posed a number of questions. In respect of the bail laws, I remind Members of the recent introduction of the Criminal Justice Act 2017, which, again, has broadened the factors the court will be required to take into account before the granting of bail and which is already having an effect. I believe it is fair to say that all of the cases cited by the Deputy happened prior to the introduction of this legislation.

In the event this legislation does not deal with the issue in the manner in which it is intended, I assure the Deputy we will continue to review the matter of our bail laws. It was the subject matter of a constitutional amendment some 20 years ago. I am concerned by the ease with which bail is being granted by the courts. I assure the House the new legislation will deal with many of the matters raised.

On the matter of the consolidation of the road traffic legislation, I assure the Deputy I spoke to the Minister, Deputy Ross, this morning on the issue.

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