I thank the Cathaoirleach. This morning I raise the issue in this House on the sentences being handed down by our courts. In the past week we have had two shocking examples. In the first case a man, who took part in a savage attack on a young woman which resulted in her being blinded in one eye, was given a four and a half year sentence. I realise the disappointment which was felt across the country in respect of that sentence.

I must remind the Senator, with the greatest of respect, that as Members of this House we should not comment on the judgments of the Judiciary or on individual cases, given the separation of powers. One can comment on sentencing policy, in general, but not on specific cases. Bí cúramach, le do thoil.

The main point I am making is that the sentences need to be at a certain level and that has not been happening in cases over the past number of months and years. It is important, as Members of the Seanad Éireann and of the Oireachtas, that we send out the right message that overall, the decisions that are being highlighted are having a significant impact across society. I certainly feel that this is something upon which we should bring the Minister for Justice to the House, in order to have an open discussion on how to improve and go forward in respect of the leniency of the cases. I will leave that subject for now and I thank the Cathaoirleach.