Sentencing for sexual offences
Deputy McDonald raises concern about suspended sentences for convicted rapists, judicial attitudes to sexual crimes, sentencing guidelines and the Judicial Council Bill. The Minister shares the concern and says both Bills are expected late the following year.
Today, for the second time in a short number of months, we heard reports of a convicted rapist having their custodial sentence suspended and being asked to compensate the victim financially. I do not think I have to say to the Dáil just how worrying that trend is. I think it reflects very many issues within our justice system, not least a deep cultural issue around the Judiciary and the consistent downgrading of sexual crimes-----
Comment on this
-----against women and children.
Comment on this
The judicial council Bill is intended to provide effective remedies for complaints about judicial misbehaviour, including lay participation in the investigation of complaints. When will that legislation will come before the House?
The Rape Crisis Centre has called for sentencing guidelines for some time as opposed to mandatory sentencing, as is the case in England. Will they be forthcoming?
Comment on this
I share the Deputy's concerns, as, I suspect, do most Members, but both Bills to which she referred will be taken late next year.