Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I join those Senators who have commended the diligence and work of the committee that dealt with the Judge Curtin affair. The Chairman stated yesterday that it was time for us to examine how best we could put a mechanism in place to deal with these issues effectively and expeditiously. There have been other instances in which people have resigned and a less severe outcome would have been more appropriate in the circumstances. In other jurisdictions, there are effective mechanisms that deal with the disciplining of inappropriate behaviour by members of the Judiciary. We should examine those mechanisms quite closely.

The mechanisms also ensure some consistency in sentencing. In that respect, I pay tribute to the Director of Public Prosecutions who stated that there is a need for giving explanations in cases where sentencing is at variance with what may be regarded publicly as the norm. These explanations would be given to ensure that public confidence is maintained in the system. Following the attendance of the DPP at the child protection committee, everybody was impressed with the substance of his contribution on what is a complex area. Will the Leader organise a debate on these issues as a matter of urgency?