Seanad debates
Wednesday, 19 February 2003
Criminal Law (Insanity) Bill 2002: Second Stage.
The categories suggested in the Bill are very sensible and many Senators will want to discuss them on Committee Stage. The Bill is highly commendable as it represents a large advance in the certainty of the law. It is important that provision is made for diminished responsibility. I agree with Senator Henry's suggestion that we consider providing for incapacity or diminished responsibility through brain damage or neurological problems. I am glad to see that the Minister has excluded alcohol as a factor in determining diminished responsibility and, like other Senators, would include drugs also. Perhaps a distinction can be made for drugs which are self-administered. We are all concerned about those who choose to get high and use this as an excuse for their misbehaviour.
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