David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I strongly support calls for a debate on sentencing. It would be very interesting to consider the possibility of an independent sentencing committee but my colleagues should be very careful before being driven by sensational tabloid newspaper headlines.

It is very unfair to the Judiciary and victims. The young woman in this case showed extraordinary courage in the most appalling circumstances and one's sympathy and admiration must be extended to her.

With regard to these kinds of judgments - I will place it in a general context - one must bear in mind that some members of the Judiciary bear a disproportionate burden. The justice concerned hears 70% of all rape and murder cases heard in the State. There is a difficult relationship between the judge and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Court of Criminal Appeal.