Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I support the Bill and agree with the comments by other Senators that the operation of the legislation should be monitored. I welcome the fact that the Minister has adopted a Labour Party amendment.

I also wish to raise an issue that is indirectly related to the Bill. Other speakers have referred to the rehabilitation of offenders, along the lines of measures already introduced in the United Kingdom. I raised this matter approximately two weeks ago with the Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Brian Lenihan. The Labour Party had tabled a motion on young offenders and the Minister of State was supportive of the need for legislation to rehabilitate such people. He said that the Minister, Deputy McDowell, was examining the matter. While the Minister is present in the Chamber, I want to raise the issue with him. Such legislation may not be suitable for all offenders or offences.

However, some people may commit an offence, the record of which they will then carry with them for the rest of their lives. That can affect their employment prospects. Certain offenders should be given the opportunity of rehabilitation through a process that would help them to clear their record, similar to the way it has been done in the UK and other jurisdictions. I hope the Minister will do something about that as soon as possible. I have dealt with such a once-off case where is was definitely out of character for the person to have acted thus. However, that person's career possibilities are now restricted for life, unless rehabilitative legislation is enacted. The Minister should consider introducing such legislation in the near future.