Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I accept Deputy Jack Chambers' point on sentencing guidelines. They obviously constitute a rational approach. However, tying the hands of judges is not rational and is not the route the State should be taking. It is important that we get the selection of judges right. If we select them, we must trust them to do their work as they see fit, otherwise it will be a bit of a dog's dinner. We are told that this is about sending a message but that is the legislative equivalent of liking something on Facebook. It is an empty gesture.

I find this matter scandalous. If the Government really wanted to send a message about sexual violence would it not expedite a new SAVI report? Will it increase funding for women's groups, women's shelters and rape crisis organisations, which have been decimated since 2011? That would send a message. As Deputy Clare Daly said, Deputy O'Callaghan's Committee Stage contribution was absolutely excellent. He tore the Bill to bits. I find it interesting that he did not come to the House tonight. He will probably have to come in and vote for the Bill under the confidence and supply arrangement. He is a barrister and knows the legal system better than the rest of us. The manner in which he took the legislation apart was very interesting.

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