Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 103: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views in respect of electronic tagging for offenders on bail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21113/08]

Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 200: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he proposes to enact legislative provision in respect of the use of electronic tagging; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21112/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 103 and 200 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that enabling provisions are already in place in the Criminal Justice Acts, 2006 and 2007, in relation to Electronic Monitoring. As the House will appreciate the merits of Electronic Monitoring require careful consideration not least from a cost effectiveness perspective developments in technology, most suitable offender group(s) and the likely impact on crime prevention.

In this regard my Department is keeping developments in other jurisdictions under constant review. Experience abroad indicates that there are technical, operational and cost limitations. There has been instances where people have committed serious crimes while subject to electronic monitoring and I would have reservations about its application in bail cases.

I would emphasise that Electronic Monitoring is just one response among a range of community based sanctions in managing offenders. It is therefore necessary to look at the merits of the full range of options available before coming to any final judgment on Electronic Monitoring.