Seanad debates

Wednesday, 8 October 2003

Criminal Justice (Temporary Release of Prisoners) Bill 2001: Second Stage.

 

It is important when dealing with criminal justice legislation to strike a balance between the rights of the victim and the rights of the criminal. However, the balance is often tilted more towards the rights of the criminal than the rights of the victim. We have a responsibility to ensure that the rights of the victim are provided for and upheld in legislation. I am anxious to include a provision in this Bill which will allow the victim to be told when the criminal who perpetrated the crime against them is being temporarily released. There have been many instances where the victim of a crime bumps into his or her attacker, who is on temporary release from prison, when walking down the street. This causes great shock and upset for the victim. We should provide that the victim will be informed if his or her attacker is given temporary release. I will table an amendment to that effect on Committee Stage.

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