Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will reflect on the point the Deputy made as we take the legislation through the Oireachtas. We did look at the issue of maximum and minimum sentences. There can be constitutional concerns around the issue of mandatory minimum sentences, but there is quite a bit of evidence that where maximum sentences are increased, it results in an upward pressure or trajectory in terms of sentences that are handed down by the Judiciary.

I am really glad Deputy O' Sullivan mentioned body cameras. I have mentioned them since the first day I became Minister for Justice and will mention them until the last day. I will keep on mentioning them because they are a really practical way to help members of An Garda Síochána. The idea that gardaí attending protests and other incidents are often the only people who do not have a camera is beyond ironic. It is dangerous. When gardaí turn up at a domestic violence incident, often the first few seconds after they get in the hall door can be the most important and the idea they do not have a body camera to capture that is unacceptable. That is why a number of organisations and agencies have called on us to do this and I am determined that we pass this legislation this year.

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