Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This country has a very serious problem with people committing offences while out on bail. The failure to address this has resulted in a situation whereby 12% of all crimes in 2017 were committed by persons who were out on bail. Some 18,926 crimes were recorded by such suspects in 2016.

This Bail (Amendment) Bill 2017, introduced by Deputy O'Callaghan, attempts to redress the balance between victims and offenders in the context of offences of a certain type, namely, domestic burglaries. This is the most heinous crime and it is very traumatic for victims. The sense of upset and invasion, and the feeling that someone was in one's home, rummaging through one's belongings is very difficult to come to terms with. Crimes of this nature can be opportunistic. Often cash and jewellery, especially gold, are the focus. It can be very traumatic for people who lose heirlooms as valuable items, passed from generation to generation, are lost for ever.

In a recent interview withThe Irish Times, Assistant Commissioner John O'Driscoll said that last autumn, when the garda had drawn up a list of burglary gangs it wanted to target during the winter phase of Operation Thor, the sheer extent of some of their criminal records stood out. In his view, the sentences imposed by the courts are failing to act as a deterrent for prolific burglars. This must be addressed and Fianna Fáil remains committed to the establishment of a judicial sentencing commission. Unfortunately statistics show that this type of crime is repeated time and again by offenders. Bail is not a deterrent.

The primary aim of the Bill is to target prolific offenders by requiring the court to refuse and application for bail to a person charged with a serious offence where the court is satisfied that such refusal is necessary to prevent the commission of a serious offence by that person. It also makes provision for the electronic monitoring of persons as a condition of bail in certain circumstances.

Strong community relations are the bedrock of an effective police force. However, reductions in the number of community gardaí across the country have damaged local links with the force. We need to cover all Garda districts to ensure that a community garda is based in the area and has strong links with the community. Communities have not sat back on this. In many areas, the community alert system have been set up. This system is very effective. In collaboration with local gardaí. a text system has been established whereby local information is fed Garda station manned on a 24-hour basis. The information is checked and, if correct, then texted to locals who can be alert to any situation and be the eyes and ears of the community.

If we are serious about tackling crime, this Bill should be allowed to progress to Committee Stage.

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