Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. In our engagement with An Garda Síochána, it advised us that the State's amended bail laws have proven to be effective. While there is no immediate proposal to amend the State's bail laws further, we will keep them under review. Certainly, if the Garda advises and asks us to make further reforms to our bail laws, we will give that detailed consideration. Certainly, in an appropriate way in our engagement with the Judiciary, we can say to them that it is important that they honour their responsibilities as well when it comes to making the right decisions on who is refused bail and who is not.

In terms of legal aid, there are reforms currently under way being led by the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee. She is giving examination to a suggestion the Deputy made previously, that perhaps the cost of legal aid could be recouped from recidivists after they are found guilty.

We cannot presume people who have been accused are guilty and refuse them legal aid, even if they have committed a crime in the past. However, if someone who is found guilty of recidivism received legal aid, there is perhaps a possibility of recouping some of it. It may not have much practical effect where a criminal does not have any means, but some of them do have means, quite frankly, and it would send a message that would be heard. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, has it under consideration.

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