Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

I support the statements made by Senator Brian Hayes. I listened to the Minister yesterday and I thought he was in Opposition because a year ago he stated he was going to introduce much longer sentences. The recent callous murder of an innocent person has again brought the issue sharply into focus. It is easy to criticise the Judiciary, but legislation is passed in both Houses. While the 1999 Act provided for ten-year sentences it also gave judges latitude in exceptional circumstances to impose lesser sentences. The legislation we enacted has given them the latitude which seems to dominate their thinking when imposing sentences, because sentences seem to be for five to six years, rather than the ten year maximum.

The Government stated last November that it had approved the strengthening of the Act. It should get on with it and implement the legislation. We can see the reality on the ground with the break-up in law and order. Objectively, it would appear we are losing this battle. The Minister seems to be engaging in the politics of the last soundbite.