Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

I welcome the Minister to the Chamber. I am glad to hear him say that there are lessons to be learned from this process because it helps no one when legislation is rushed through Parliament. My colleague in the Lower House referred last night to the fact that soon afterwards we uncover the inevitable mistakes and loopholes. It has been remarked that the content of the amendments introduced by the Minister's predecessor was greater than that of the original Bills. The Criminal Justice Act is not the first instance in which we have had to return to amend loopholes and mistakes.

I have no problem with the amendment proposed to this Bill. I take the Minister's word for it that nobody not entitled to do so has accepted recognisance. Criminal justice legislation is too important a subject to be rushed through the House. It impacts on many aspects of our legal system. When it is rushed mistakes are made and amendments are needed at short notice. This is an unacceptable way to proceed. I support this amendment but would prefer that such amendments cease. I also support Senator Boyle's comments on peace commissioners. A database would be beneficial to us all.