Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome this Bill, on which we spoke in the Seanad last week. It is a notable achievement of this Government finally to see the closure of St. Patrick's Institution and it is a notable achievement on children's rights as well as on penal reform. Last week the Minister highlighted the fact that she would bring forward this amendment in the Dáil, so it is not a surprise to see the new Part 5, section 24 in the Bill.

I agree in general with what Senator Ó Clochartaigh said on the widespread practice of using particular Bills to make amendments to other Bills in a piecemeal reform. It is unfortunate to see this provision in a Bill that otherwise has such a key core purpose. At the same time, I accept the need for this change. I assumed the change would be by way of an amendment to existing legislation but section 24 is just a stand-alone provision. What was the basis for the power? Was there no statutory power previously? I have not read the High Court judgment.