Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 85: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views in respect of electronic monitoring of suspects released on bail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27157/08]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason provisions in relation to electronic monitoring of suspects have not been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27158/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 97 together.

The enabling provisions to allow for the use of Electronic Monitoring are provided for in the Criminal Justice Acts of 2006 and 2007. However, before any decisions are taken on the introduction of those specific provisions careful and detailed consideration must be given to the costs, advances in technology, the offender cohort most suitable and the likely overall impact on reducing recidivism and preventing crime. For those reasons I have no immediate plans at this point in time to implement the enabling provisions of the Criminal Justice Acts, 2006 and 2007, in relation to Electronic Monitoring.

Whilst my Department is keeping developments in other jurisdictions under review, I would advise Deputies that the experience abroad indicates that there are technical, operational and cost limitations. For example, there have been instances where people have committed serious crimes while subject to electronic monitoring. As I have already said, in previous debates in the House, I would have reservations about its application in bail cases.

Furthermore, there are a range of community based sanctions available to assist in the management of offenders and it is important that we look at the merits and cost effectiveness of the full range of options before coming to any final judgment on Electronic Monitoring.