Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

That is all right, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. The former Minister for Justice, Senator McDowell, spoke at length in the Seanad debate on this Bill. He said we need dangerous people off our streets as soon as possible. He also spoke about the extension of the retirement age for judges to 72 rather than 70, which it currently is.

Allowing judges the option of working for an extra couple of years could be one way of helping to make the court system more efficient and to speed up the whole process and deal with the backlog. The Minister of State responded to say there was a requirement for a wider discussion but felt it was a good idea. Can we have that discussion? It is a practical and worthy proposal. Let us put that in train. Those with experience should be retained. We should do it sooner rather than later so I say we should get on with it. If this Bill can address the delays and bring about a swifter and more efficient criminal justice system, it will have my full support. However, we need meaningful progress. I repeat that we do not need the dismissal of reasonable and meaningful suggestions. If an extension of working age beyond 70 years of age for the Judiciary is a solution, let us have it on the table as soon as possible.

We need to take a similar approach to the Garda. We are in a crisis of recruitment and retention. It is becoming a joke. Each day, a member of the Government repeats the targets for the Garda. In 2023, we already know those targets are impossible and will not be met. Why not get ahead of the problem and introduce the option of a change in the retirement age of gardaí to allow them to take over positions involving front-desk duties or other administrative duties to free up others for active duty? The measures cannot be delayed to avoid necessary risk to law and order. We should act now. Delays mean that someone who has been accused of a crime, or the victims of an alleged crime, suffer greatly. If there is an acquittal, it means the damage caused by unnecessary delay must be compensated by the State. I believe we need serious, practical and progressive action in respect of the courts.

The headline in a newspaper today in the Minister of State's constituency of Wexford tells of a criminal who has committed 200 offences while on bail over the course of his criminal career. He is currently in prison and answering over the Internet or by video link.

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