Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I plead for co-operation on Thursday, when we come to the important Judicial Council Bill. A limited number of amendments have been proposed to a Bill with a pretty wide, reforming application. We will come back to that on Thursday afternoon.

The Bill before us will increase the chances of social reintegration of offenders by ensuring that the probation measures imposed on a person can be followed up and supervised in the country in which they reside. On resources, similar to my reply to Senator Clifford-Lee, I can tell Senator Boyhan that we do not envisage a huge number of people applying. Therefore, it is unlikely to strain resources in the probation services. If a number of Irish people in EU states wish to return home, the likelihood is that there might well be a corresponding number of persons in this jurisdiction who will wish to avail themselves of the mutual recognition. However, although not many people will seek to avail themselves of a remedy under the legislation, for those who do, it will have a significant impact on their lives. It is therefore important legislation, and I look forward to coming back to discuss the issues in more detail as the Bill passes through the House.

I will respond briefly to Senator Ó Donnghaile, who made an important point about the UK. The UK has opted out of this framework decision, and so these measures will not apply as might otherwise be the case.