Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 18:

In page 10, before section 7, but in Part 2, to insert the following new section:

"PART 3

NOTICE OF CERTAIN MATTERS TO BE GIVEN TO VICTIMS OF CERTAIN OFFENCES

7.—(1) An Garda Síochána shall give a victim to whom this section applies notice, as soon as practicable of—

(a) every release on bail (if any) of the person accused of the offence or, as the case requires, the offender, and

(b) any terms or conditions of a release of that kind—

(i) that relate to the safety and security of the victim or of one or more members of his or her immediate family or of both, or

(ii) that require the accused or offender not to associate or not to contact the victim or one or more members of his or her immediate family, or both.

(2) In this section, release on bail includes a release on bail—

(a) until the hearing of proceedings,

(b) during an adjournment of proceedings,

(c) until sentencing, and

(d) until determination of an appeal against conviction or sentence.".

The amendments concern putting on a statutory basis the information that should be given to the victims of crime. Amendment No. 18 concerns the terms and conditions attached where a person is released on bail. We have had various attempts at regulating the situation on bail. We are also aware of the extent of crimes committed by persons on bail.