Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to move an amendment to the Order of Business to have No. 20 taken before No. 1 today. This would introduce my Criminal Law (Protection of Older People) (Sentencing) (Amendment) Bill. I believe it would be appropriate to have a debate on the manner in which we in society, particularly the Government and the Legislature, deal with the laws that have an impact on vulnerable groups, especially older persons in our society.

During the recent European election campaign I met many older people living in isolated rural areas. These people have been largely voiceless in recent debates regarding austerity measures. The impact of various measures being taken by Government on vulnerable groups is often glossed over. Older people in particular have suffered the limiting of grants, cutbacks in rural transport, the closure of rural post offices and cutbacks in health services. Most disturbing is the phenomenon of violent burglaries which appear to target older people. The closure of rural Garda stations and crimes targeting older people in isolated rural areas are connected issues. The only way we can ensure the measures proposed by the Government do not disproportionately affect older people is by having a statutory requirement for all legislation to be monitored for its impact on vulnerable groups. The legislation I am bringing forward would provide for tougher mandatory sentences for the perpetrators of certain violent crimes targeting older people. I would be grateful for the support of the House on the matter.