Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for coming to the House. It would be helpful if copies of his statement were circulated to Members. I understand that the aim of this Bill, which was passed in the Dáil on 12 June 2019, is to facilitate persons who are under the supervision of probation services in one EU member state to return to their home member state and continue their supervision there. The Minister said that the Bill is technical in nature but has a simple purpose, and he outlined that purpose clearly. I took the time to read up on the Bill and its provisions make sense. Its purpose is to create a legal framework to facilitate the return of a person to his or her home country while ensuring that the necessary probation supervision continues and that the legal consequences of failing to engage with the supervision may be enforced.

The Minister indicated that probation decisions may only be transferred under the Bill where the person concerned has moved or wants to move back to his or her home state. I am seeking clarification and assurance that the Bill will not and cannot be used to remove a person from one state to another if he or she does not wish to go.

He said the Probation Service will have the structures in place to implement these provisions. I acknowledge the work done by the service, particularly in the area of rehabilitation, which is an important aspect of our judicial system. Will he comment on whether the service has the necessary resources in terms of rehabilitation and reintegration which, as he rightly said, are important facets of the legislation?I commend the legislation. It makes sense. As the Minister outlined, it is pretty clear and important. I seek reassurance that people will not be forced to go from one state to another against their wishes.

I wish the Minister well and will be supporting the Bill.