Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome this debate on the Parole Bill and I share the sentiment expressed by the Leas-Cheann Comhairle on our joining together to enact it. I put down many amendments which got through on Committee Stage and I have not put down further amendments for this Stage. I support the amendments the Minister has referred to, namely, amendments Nos. 1 to 11, inclusive, which in effect expand and provide greater definition in the interpretation section and also deal with sections 2 to 5, inclusive. As the Minister outlined, these deal with, in particular, the difficult situation that can arise when the family of a victim of crime cannot identify who should be the person who makes submissions to the board, and this is dealt with in amendment No. 9. This also deals expressly with the fact that the Act is without prejudice to other pieces of legislation, such as the Criminal Justice Act 1951 and the temporary release provisions in another piece of criminal justice legislation. I had indicated that in respect of the explanatory memorandum before the House when we debated this on Second Stage. The proposed amendment No. 11 is more appropriate and is worthwhile having it included. I will, therefore, be supporting amendments Nos. 1 to 11, inclusive, as they improve the drafting of the Bill.

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