Child protection and bail reform
The Leader stresses that child protection must transcend politics, then agrees that bail laws and related sentencing issues merit discussion with the Justice Minister.
The protection of our children is paramount and should certainly transcend all politics and party leaders.
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If the Leader's own party leader-----
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Senator Cullinane called for extra time to debate water charges. As I stated, I will try to arrange it but it depends on the Minister's diary.
I have alluded to the fact that Senator Brennan mentioned increases in hotel rates.
Senator Whelan referred to bail laws. I agree totally with him in this regard. We had a referendum on bail laws in 1996, to the best of my knowledge. The number of crimes committed by people out on bail is totally unacceptable. I agree with the Senator on concurrent sentences. I will try to arrange a debate on these issues with the Minister for Justice and Equality. The Minister will be here for three separate debates tomorrow. Perhaps the Senator's issues could be raised with him when discussing penal reform, in particular, which subject is covered in the Private Members' motion tabled for tomorrow.
Senator Barrett raised the retention of long wave 252, as has Senator Mooney on a number of occasions. I certainly support the Senators' remarks in that regard. Senator Barrett pointed out that the Minister for Finance is taking on board a number of proposals made by him in this House. Scrutinising, initiating and amending legislation comprise the main purpose of this House and we do it quite well.
Senator Paul Coghlan mentioned Muckross House.