Dáil debates

Wednesday, 10 February 2021

Criminal Procedure Bill 2021: Second Stage

 

5:45 pm

Photo of Jennifer Murnane O'ConnorJennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This practical Bill is most important in helping to speed up criminal trials, by ensuring that any preliminary matters are dealt with before the trial starts in front of a jury. Measures proposed to make it less likely that jurors are sent away during trials are most welcome. Jurors often make preparations to undertake their civic duty, and are most disturbed to have the trial they are sitting on extended beyond the date they expect because of trial delays caused by issues such as the admissibility of evidence. Often, procedure can delay things. Many cases can take years, leaving victims in a vacuum, struggling to move on with their lives. Anything which can assist in this not being the case is most welcome. Victims must extensively prepare themselves mentally for the start of a trial on a designated day, and it is often delayed because of procedural issues. This legislation will be a welcome fix to that issue.

This legislation will also help victims who can find the criminal trial process very challenging, because the process will be more streamlined. It is very important that we streamline the process. In reality, however, we should be trying to change the law, so that the trial process is less challenging for victims. I accept that this legislation is a good start. We need to start somewhere. We should look at ways to discuss the impact of crime on everyone involved, and how to repair the harm that is caused.

I welcome this legislation and how it will improve things, but much more needs to be done in this area. I know the Minister and her team are committed to doing this work. I look forward to supporting further law reform legislation in future.

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