Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

While I support the intention of Senator Terry's amendment, the Labour Party's amendment No. 10 is making a slightly different point. An amendment made on Report Stage in the Dáil sought to involve the victim more in legislative terms, which is an important change. Amendment No. 10 states that it is not just the victim of the particular offence committed by a person in relation to their current prison sentence that should be taken into account, but also any other offence committed by them. It is important to consider the safety and security of a prisoner's victim or victims. It would not necessarily mean that a prisoner would not be released but it may mean that conditions would be attached to their release. The amendment, therefore, seeks not just to deal with victims in terms of the offence to which a period of imprisonment relates, but also other offences committed by the prisoner. The impact of the prisoner's release upon the victim or a member of their family should be considered.