Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Anything we would introduce or consider would need to be with the support of and in consultation with An Garda Síochána to make sure it is effective. Where serious criminal offences are committed, it is important that the punishment matches the crime and that those convicted serve the right sentence or penalty, while acknowledging that we need rehabilitation and reform in our society. We need to make sure the sentence matches the crime and that is why in the last week I have made proposals that the maximum penalty for the general assault crime, under which many domestic violence acts happen, be extended from five to ten years. This will ensure that if a significant penalty is applied, even with mitigating factors, guilty pleas and other elements to a case, a person will serve the correct time.

It is about striking the right balance. We also have to make sure that, where individuals commit a crime, they are allowed to get on with their lives and to try to change them without a record constantly hindering them or preventing them from moving forward, although this again comes back to the issue of serious crimes versus smaller crimes. It is about striking that balance. Anything we do would have to be done in consultation with An Garda Síochána.

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