Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I would hate to think that such ideologies are influencing or being reflected here. I ask and appeal to the Minister to reflect upon what has been said and to put the best interests of the child in this legislation. That means clearly signalling that such behaviours are unacceptable, and that if a person is found guilty of such acts then he or she will face a term of imprisonment. The length of the sentence is at the discretion of the judge and depends on the gravity of the particular offence. We must send the message that perpetrators will not get away, if they have deep pockets, with just paying money. We have seen cases where this has happened with adults and money was paid. There was a huge public outcry about money being paid and, subsequently, the decisions were appealed by the DPP. I ask the Minister not to let that happen, please.