Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

I add my voice to those who have expressed their sympathy to the McCallion family in County Mayo and Inishowen where the family home was located. While Members often spend their time bemoaning what the Garda does or does not do, it is very sad that not only did we lose Robert McCallion but, within hours, the death of a second serving garda in the Donegal district occurred yesterday. It was a very sad day for them and I send my commiserations and sympathies primarily to the family, as well as to the wider family that is the Garda Síochána.

While I was treading on uncertain ground the last time I raised this matter, I wish to raise again the sentencing of prisoners. Although Members are meant to maintain the separation between legislation and the Judiciary, when obvious situations arise in which the process seems to need updating in respect of sentence length, I again call on the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come before the House to deal with sentence lengths in respect of crime, such as the sexual crimes of paedophilia and rape, murder and all the associated serious crimes, as well as less serious crimes. He also should deal with those who are on parole at present or who are on release for various reasons and with the issue of preventing people from reoffending. In the event that people reoffend, their offences must be recorded by the judges when sentencing takes place for a second or third time for a similar offence. I seek a debate specifically pertaining to justice in respect of sentencing, prevention of reoffending, monitoring of those who are out of prison and ensuring that those who reoffend receive the proper response to their crimes.

On a separate issue——