Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

People were horrified and saddened by events last week in Aughnacloy, County Tyrone, which is on the Monaghan border, when an 83-year old woman, Pat Davidson, was found with serious injuries after a burglary in her home. This lady suffered a fractured spine, a fractured pelvis and a fractured skull and she was put into an induced coma.I am sure Members will join me in wishing her a full and speedy recovery. As we can imagine, this incident has caused great concern and fear in the community, not only in County Tyrone but throughout the country. What makes it more sickening is the fact that the suspect, who is believed to be from Dublin, has many previous convictions. Whether the individual is the culprit or not is neither here nor there, but it raises concerns about the ongoing issue of criminals, many of them dangerous, who are continuously being released on bail.

One measure that could reassure the public is electronic tagging, and the role this could play in assisting gardaí in trying to monitor the movements of these criminals. Recent statistics show almost 80% of burglaries are committed by 5% of criminals. The programme for Government, as the Leader is aware, has a commitment to fast-track a new Bill to provide for electronic tagging of people on bail. Surely we should be embracing advances in technology to assist gardaí in the prevention of crime and the promotion of justice. Interestingly, recent statistics show that electronic tagging would cost €6 per day compared to the cost of €163 per day to keep someone in prison. Will the Leader bring the Minister to the House to update Members on the situation of the Bail (Amendment) Bill? Will this legislation be fast-tracked? Surely we need to do everything possible to protect the elderly in our community. I hope this latest sickening episode will be the last.