Robbie Gallagher
Labour Panel · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“I want to raise an issue that I feel is having a very detrimental and suffocating effect on rural Ireland. This is the declining number of taxis available. It is so bad now that it is causing an economic bottleneck and, in my opinion, is also acting as a social barrier.”
“This is killing the night-time economy especially. People would like to go out and socialise, which we would like to see, and go out for a bite to eat or a few drinks or whatever. It is important that we encourage this type of behaviour.”
“I join others in thanking all of the staff in the campus of Leinster House for their hospitality and the manner in which they look after us all year in, year out. I say to all of my colleagues in the Chamber that I enjoy their company, perhaps not all of the time but most of the time I am glad to say.”
“I too would like to raise the urgent case of the approximately 200 people in this country who are living with Friedreich's ataxia. It is a rare and progressive condition that gradually takes away a person's mobility and independence. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition but there is hope.”
“Unfortunately, they had to turn around and head home without getting that news. Ten other EU countries have already made this treatment available but Ireland continues to wait while this progressive condition for those who have it continues.”
“I will raise an issue that affects thousands of people in this country but, in my opinion, does not get the attention it deserves. That is the shockingly poor return Irish people are getting on their savings in Irish banks.”
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“I join others in thanking all of the staff in the campus of Leinster House for their hospitality and the manner in which they look after us all year in, year out. I say to all of my colleagues in the Chamber that I enjoy their company, perhaps not all of the time but most of the time I am glad to say. I wish them all a very enjoyable rest during the summer period.”
“This is killing the night-time economy especially. People would like to go out and socialise, which we would like to see, and go out for a bite to eat or a few drinks or whatever. It is important that we encourage this type of behaviour. The reality for many people thinking about going into the town or the village this evening is that they would have no way home so they make the decision not to go out at all. This is not what we want to see in rural Ireland. I call on the NTA to address this particular issue because it is affecting the people of rural Ireland very much. We cannot allow this decline to continue in our rural counties. I call on the NTA to address this matter urgently.”
“I want to raise an issue that I feel is having a very detrimental and suffocating effect on rural Ireland. This is the declining number of taxis available. It is so bad now that it is causing an economic bottleneck and, in my opinion, is also acting as a social barrier. The figures from the NTA released last May paint a very bleak picture in that 20 counties are seeing a decline in taxi numbers. This is despite the fact that over the past ten years our population has increased by more than 8%. The Border region is particularly badly affected, with taxi numbers down a staggering 20%. My county of Monaghan has seen a decline of 31.29%, which is the worst in all of Ireland. Cavan has seen a drop of 19%, Donegal has seen a drop of 21% and Louth has seen a drop of 16% or 17%. This clearly shows we have a serious problem in this regard.”
“Unfortunately, they had to turn around and head home without getting that news. Ten other EU countries have already made this treatment available but Ireland continues to wait while this progressive condition for those who have it continues. I call on the Minister and the HSE to bring this process finally to a conclusion without further delays. These patients deserve certainty and compassion but, most of all, they deserve access to a treatment that would make such a difference to their lives and the lives of their families. They have been waiting too long. It is time the decision was made. If it has been approved in the US and approved by the European Medicines Agency, I see no reason the HSE in this country would not approve it also.”
“I too would like to raise the urgent case of the approximately 200 people in this country who are living with Friedreich's ataxia. It is a rare and progressive condition that gradually takes away a person's mobility and independence. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition but there is hope. The drug Skyclarys has already been approved in the United States back in 2023 and in Europe through the European Medicines Agency in 2024. It is not a miracle cure but it does slow the progression of this devastating disease and that means more time, a better quality of life and hope for the patients and their families. Yesterday, a number of families affected travelled to Leinster House in the hope they would finally get some good news. The news they have been waiting for patiently is that this drug would finally be sanctioned.”
“I would welcome if, before the end of the year, we could have the Minister of Finance into the House so we can have a discussion on this very important issue.”
“Currently, there is something like €175 billion on deposit. It is quite shocking that €156 billion of that is in what are called demand deposit accounts or current accounts, which earn little or no interest whatsoever. People have worked hard all their lives and have been disciplined to put a few euro away for that rainy day, to help them in retirement or get kids through college or whatever, and clearly the banks need to be doing more for people in this space. There is a responsibility also on Government to have a public awareness campaign to show people how best they can make their money work for them - the hard-earned money they have managed to put away - to make sure it is working to its full potential because it clearly is not.”
“I will raise an issue that affects thousands of people in this country but, in my opinion, does not get the attention it deserves. That is the shockingly poor return Irish people are getting on their savings in Irish banks. On top of that is the fact that inflation is also having a negative effect on the few pound people have put away for the rainy day or to help them in their retirement. A recent report highlighted that and showed how over the last ten years the purchasing power of the savings people have has decreased by something like 21%, which is shocking. That clearly illustrates that a programme of education is required in this country in relation to savings and how best to make a return for those people who have been disciplined and managed to put a few pound away for that rainy day.”
“It begs the question as to why we do not have a simple card facility whereby a person could scan their bank card to issue payment to whichever provider is there. That would let them get on with their journey and take away the stress of having to download an app or whatever. I would, at the Leader's convenience, welcome a debate with the Minister on the infrastructure and making that infrastructure more user-friendly for everybody that wants to use it.”
“The point they were making is that there are up to 25 registered charger companies located throughout the country and the provider available depends on the part of the country you are in. Potentially, a person might need to download 25 different apps in order to be sure to be able to charge one's vehicle when required. I have come across a few people who have experienced issues in this regard. One gentleman had his phone stolen. He was totally marooned because he had a long journey to get home but had no way of charging his vehicle as he was not able to download the app. Another person had an issue when their phone was broken. Another person had an issue because the mobile phone coverage at the station was very poor or non-existent and, therefore, they could not access the charger.”
“I note the sale of electric vehicles continues to grow. I looked at the figures for last year and some 23,601 electric vehicles were registered. That is approximately 18% of total registrations. This year, to date, that figure is growing. Up to the end of June, 20,164 electric vehicles had been registered. In my own neck of the woods of Cavan-Monaghan, up to the end of May there were 155 in Cavan and 99 in Monaghan. However, the debate and frustration continues to grow in relation to the number of charging stations available to road users who have electric vehicles. I was contacted recently by a number of constituents regarding the charging of the vehicle itself.”
“Some €127 million has been committed by the Government for its development, much of it through the shared island initiative which the Taoiseach developed and a lot through the Minister for the environment, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, and the previous incumbent in the Department of the environment, who provided significant funding. It is an exciting development. The most recent announcement of €30 million is welcome and we look forward to that development. We also have the Peace Link, which is another important piece of infrastructure. Clones is a special place. We are now looking for the development of St. Tiernach's Park not just to host large football matches but to host other community events.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive response. I also thank him for his commitment to the development of sporting infrastructure in Monaghan and Cavan. I have seen that commitment at first hand. I thank his colleague the Minister, Deputy Calleary, for his commitment to the development of St. Tiernach's Park. The Ulster final is hugely important to Clones town. A study from 2024 estimated that the match day was worth approximately €1.5 million to the local economy and €2.1 million to the economy of the county. It is important. Clones is a unique and special place. It has so much to offer. Many people would be familiar with St. Tiernach's Park, but the Government has invested huge money in the development of the Ulster Canal.”
“Tiernach’s Park has served Ulster football with distinction for generations and with vision, ambition and unity it can continue to do so for many years to come. Clones is a unique venue. The Minister of State has been there on many occasions and with the rumoured downscaling of Casement Park, this provides a unique opportunity for us to develop Clones to its full capacity, which remains to be achieved. I am looking forward to the Minister of State's contribution this afternoon. He is committed to the redevelopment of Clones.”
“They are about ensuring Clones continues to thrive as a place to live, work and visit and enhancing the experiences of thousands of supporters who travel there each year for major occasions such as the Ulster final. By investing in the town and its surroundings, we are safeguarding the future of one of Gaelic games' most historic venues and ensuring Clones remains at the heart of Ulster football for many years to come. Investment in the ground means Clones can strengthen its position, not only as a natural home for the Ulster final, but also as a venue capable of hosting other major inter-county games, provincial events, concerts, community occasions and large-scale gatherings for decades to come. St.”
“Tiernach's Quarter Regeneration Project. I was delighted the Minister, Deputy Calleary, provided that funding. This investment recognises the unique importance of Clones, not just as a thriving local community, but also as one of the GAA's most iconic venues. The council is currently preparing to appoint a specialist design team to develop an ambitious regeneration project for the area. The project will include the design of a new multi-purpose community hub adjacent to the Gerry Arthurs stand, together with significant public realm improvements that will strengthen the links between St. Tiernach’s Park, the town centre and the Peace Link campus. Projects like this are about much more than buildings and landscape.”
“Tiernach's Park has repeatedly shown its ability to stage major sporting events, drawing huge crowds and generating a special intensity and atmosphere that players and supporters alike speak about with such affection. With Casement Park now rumoured to be downscaled to a capacity of approximately 15,000, a significant opportunity has emerged for Clones. This is the moment for everyone to come together and make the case for the redevelopment of St. Tiernach's Park to modern-day standards. Today is a fitting occasion to highlight the exciting plans for the continued regeneration of Clones and the areas surrounding St. Tiernach's Park. Monaghan County Council was delighted to secure €664,668 under category 2 of the rural regeneration and development fund, RRDF, for the Clones Community Hub and Public Realm-St.”
“The Minister of State, Deputy McConalogue, is very welcome. I am going to discuss a topic that the he and I have discussed on many occasions, namely the development of St. Tiernach's Park, Clones. As he knows, it is much more than a stadium; it is the spiritual home of Ulster football. For generations, supporters from every corner of the province have travelled to this unique Border town to witness some of the greatest days ever in Gaelic football. The atmosphere in Clones is unlike anywhere else. The narrow streets, the packed terraces and the sense of history surrounding the grounds create an occasion that simply cannot be replicated. As the proud home of Ulster finals, St.”
“I welcome the Minister back to the House this afternoon. I will be very brief. I am very happy to support this motion on the basis of the Minister's contribution. All the areas outlined by him need reform. I am very happy to proceed along those lines.”
“No. 177 of 2018) and the designation of an independent authority to approve the disclosure of PNR data held by the Irish Passenger Information Unit; (v) Amending the Civil Law and Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020 consequential on the aforementioned amendments relating to the use of electronic technology in certain court proceedings and to delete two inoperable provisions of that Act which provide that a court may specify the technology to be used in particular remote hearings; and (vi) Amending the Criminal Justice (Perjury and Related Offences) Act 2021 consequential on the amendments relating to the use of technology in certain court proceedings; and to change the long title to reflect the content of the Bill; and to make other consequential amendments required to take account of such amendments.”
“I move: That, in accordance with Standing Order 201(2), in relation to the Criminal Law, Civil Law and Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026, it be an instruction to the Committee of the whole Seanad, to which the Bill may be recommitted in respect of certain amendments, that it has the power to make amendments to the Bill which are not relevant to the subject matter of the Bill, for the purposes of: (i) Amending section 10 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1984 to provide a statutory basis for the admissibility, in proceedings under section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, of certificate evidence relating to the results of applicable drug tests carried out by members of An Garda Síochána; (ii) Repealing Chapter 2 of Part 2 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Act 2024 consequential on the provisions of section 23 of the Bill and of the reformulated section which it is proposed, by way of a Government amendment, to substitute for the said section 23; (iii) Providing, on an enabling basis, for the electronic transmission of documents in certain court proceedings and for electronic statements of truth in such proceedings; (iv) Providing for the designation of intra EU flights within Ireland's Passenger Name Record (“PNR”) Data regime, the transposition of EU Directive 2016/381 into primary law and revocation of the European Union (Passenger Name Record Data) Regulations 2018 (S.I.”
“First, I commend David, Veronica and Suzette on their work in this area. I met David on a number of occasions. He has been a serious campaigner and advocate. For his family to go through what they have gone through and still campaign to change things, not just for themselves but for those who will come after them, we are all deeply indebted to them. Gabhaim buíochas leo go léir. I thank the Senators who contributed this evening, all of whom did so in a constructive fashion and came forward with reasonable and good points. Finally, I thank the Minister, who acted on his word, as he outlined in his contribution, and has been proactive on this issue and across a wide range of issues. I thank him for his enthusiasm, endeavour and appetite for work. I salute him.”
“I would be grateful if a few lines could be written to them on behalf, I am sure, of all Members of this House, to thank them sincerely for the huge work they have done, the legacy they have left in their wake and that the organisation will continue to help families in the darkest of hours.”
“It was established by Colin and Eithne Bell in 2013 after the tragic passing of their son, Kevin, in New York in tragic circumstances. From that experience they realised the cost and logistics of bringing Kevin's body home. They turned that incredible tragedy and the loss of their son, Kevin, into such a powerful resource that many other unfortunate families have benefited from over the past 13 years. They assisted grieving loved ones, thereby providing compassion and support in the darkest of times. I have learnt this week that both Colin and Eithne are to step back from the day-to-day running of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust but am heartened to hear they will still be there and involved in the organisation. They have truly left an amazing legacy in their wake and can be proud of their achievements.”
“I also congratulate the Leader on his appointment. I wish him every success. I have no doubt that he will excel in the role. I also support the comments of Senators Craughwell and Wilson on the non-attendance of a Government Minister at the commissioning event last Thursday. I think that sends out totally the wrong message. Whatever error occurred in this particular instance, I sincerely hope that we learn from it and ensure this never happens again. I am sure many of my colleagues present have often heard tell of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust. It is a truly remarkable organisation set up by back in 2013 by Colin and Eithne Bell. Over the past 13 years they have helped more than 2,500 families repatriate their loved ones who have passed away abroad. It really is a truly remarkable organisation.”
“I echo the comments of the Minister in his summing up and thank all the Senators for their contributions, which have been constructive and thought-provoking. All the amendments have been given serious consideration by the Minister. I thank and acknowledge Mr. Jason Poole for his contribution to this legislation. His family have been on a very difficult journey. The advocacy of Mr. Poole to get this legislation, Jennie's law, brought in has to be acknowledged and I commend him on it. I commend the Minister on his initiative and his speed in bringing forward this legislation. It will be a very important step for people to know that there is a register they can access if they have any concerns or doubts. I thank everybody involved.”
“In layperson's language, any responsible Government that is getting information from the Garda that there remains a credible threat to the State would be irresponsible if it did not take that advice on board. For that reason, I am very happy to allow these measures to continue in force for a further period.”
“In May of last year, the Minister informed Government colleagues that he accepts in principle the recommendations of the majority report of the independent review of the Offences against the State Acts. Given the importance of the Acts over many decades, any proposals for reform must be thoroughly considered and approached with the utmost care. The Minister has indicated that he will return to the Government with detailed proposals in due course. I certainly look forward to that. In the meantime, the renewal of the relevant provisions ensures that essential counterterrorism measures remain will remain in place. Accordingly, the Government is seeking approval from this House for both measures to be continued.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit ar maidin. The Minister of State is very welcome back to the House to discuss this very important piece of business. As she outlined, the Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 was enacted in the aftermath of the Omagh bombing in order to strengthen the State's response to terrorism. Certain provisions of that Act are, as the Minister of State outlined, subject to renewal annually. They will expire on 30 June next unless approved by this House and the Lower House. The Government considers that there remains a real and persistent threat from dissident republican groups, as well as from those involved in violent extremism and international terrorism. In light of these ongoing threats, it is necessary to maintain the availability of these powers.”
“I move: That Seanad Éireann resolves that sections 2 to 4, 6 to 12, 14 and 17 of the Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 (No. 39 of 1998) shall continue in operation for the period beginning on 30th June, 2026 and ending on 29th June, 2027.”
“Timely enactment of this legislation is necessary to fulfil those obligations and support effective cross-border co-operation in criminal investigations. I look forward to this legislation passing through the Oireachtas.”
“In addition, the Bill assigns to the director responsibility for the scrutiny of certain cross-border removal orders under EU terrorist content online regulations, ensuring that such orders comply with EU law and the fundamental right to protection. Implementation of the e-evidence package is important for Ireland's criminal justice system and for its position as a major European centre for technology and digital regulation. It is anticipated that a significant number of service providers will fall within the scope of this framework and that large volumes of electronic evidence requests will be processed through Ireland each year. Ireland is obliged to implement both the directive and the regulations.”
“Under the new system, service providers will generally be required to respond within ten days or within eight hours in emergency situations. This Bill provides for the establishment of the office of the director of criminal justice international co-operation and the appointment of a director to oversee Ireland's implementation of the e-evidence framework. The director will be responsible for monitoring compliance, enforcing obligations on service providers and administrating penalties where necessary. This Bill will require service providers operating within the scope of the legislation to designate and addressee to receive and respond to electronic evidence orders. This is intended to ensure that authorities have a clear point of contact and that the providers can comply effectively with their obligations.”
“The Bill is designed to implement the EU e-evidence package in Ireland and to ensure that the State is prepared for the application of the EU e-evidence regulation from 18 August next. The EU e-evidence package introduces a new framework that allows law enforcement and judicial authorities in one EU member state to obtain electronic evidence directly from service providers located in another member state. It does this through two new legal instruments, European production orders, which require the production of electronic evidence, and European participation orders, which require data to be preserved for future investigations. The objective is to make access to electronic evidence faster and more effective.”
“It will also enhance Ireland's ability to ensure effective access to digital evidence in tracking serious crime. The use of online services to facilitate and perpetuate criminal activity does not respect geographical borders, as we all know. While data flows globally, law enforcement authorities across Europe are often in need of foreign-held evidence for domestic cases, including data held by service providers in this jurisdiction. The existing means of legal co-operation between countries can be slow and complex. As a result, law enforcement and judicial authorities often experience difficulties in accessing electronic evidence relevant to an investigation, rendering prosecutions ineffective. It is to address these deficiencies that the Minister is introducing this Bill, and I welcome that.”
“On behalf of my party, I welcome and support this Bill, which will establish a new office of director of criminal justice international co-operation to allow Ireland to meet the requirement of the EU e-evidence package. This package will make it faster and easier for law enforcement and judicial authorities across the EU to obtain electronic evidence from service providers as part of criminal investigations. The establishment of the office of director of criminal justice international co-operation will provide a cohesive approach to digital regulation in the criminal justice space. It will centralise the necessary skills and expertise, providing a single point of contact for cross-border judicial co-operation on e-evidence and ensuring a streamlined regulatory framework.”
“This Bill represents an important reform that places child welfare at the centre of decision-making, strengthens protections for vulnerable children and responds directly to lessons learned from tragic cases of domestic and family violence.”
“Instead, Tusla will be required to bring the matter before the District Court, which can restrict or remove those guardianship rights where it is in the child's best interest. The Bill also applies in certain cases where a parent has seriously injured the other parent, resulting in changes to the child's care arrangements. Throughout the process, the welfare and best interests of the child remain the paramount consideration. Importantly, the legislation strengthens the voice of the child by providing for the appointment of a guardian ad litem and allows family members to participate in proceedings where appropriate.”
“I know he has been a champion in that area, and the change has come along. He can be proud of that, and I am sure it is an emotional day for him and his family. I thank him for that. Today we are thinking of his family and the painful journey it has had to navigate. The Bill is about putting children first in situations where one parent has killed or seriously harmed the other parent. It implements recommendations from the study of familicide and domestic and family violence death reviews. It recognises that these cases are not simply private family matters, but issues of child protection and welfare. The Bill ensures that a parent convicted of murder or manslaughter of the other parent of their child does not automatically retain guardianship rights.”
“Killing the guardian of a child raises concerns for the safety and welfare of that child. Legislative changes are required to address this troubled issue, and I commend the Minister on moving swiftly in this area. The Bill is fundamentally about ensuring the best interests of the child as a paramount consideration with respect to guardianship. We believe these issues should not be regarded as a matter of private law to be determined between the families concerned but instead should be regarded as a child protection and welfare issue arising in the area of public law. The legislation is to be known as Valerie's law, in honour of Valerie French, who was killed in June 2019, by her husband James Kilroy. On behalf of Fianna Fáil I thank David French for his advocacy in this area and in honour of his dear sister, Valerie.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire ar ais go dtí an Teach inniu. The Minister is welcome back to the House this afternoon. I also welcome David and Veronica to the Visitor's Gallery. On behalf of Fianna Fáil I welcome and support this Bill. As the Minister outlined, the Bill progresses a legislative change to allow for the removal of guardianship rights from a person who has been convicted of killing their partner or the other parent of the child or both. The Bill is a programme for Government commitment to examine proposals to remove guardianship rights from those convicted of killing their partner or a parent of their child as part of the ongoing work to implement appropriate recommendations from the study of familicide and domestic and family violence death reviews. These are grave offences.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive response. I fully appreciate that this is a matter for the Minister for Finance, but where would we in this country be without volunteers? Organisations such as the Crocus Cancer Support Centre in Monaghan and blood bikes do fantastic and invaluable work. All the work they do is done by volunteers. If the Government were to introduce a road tax exemption for those vehicles, it would be a small token of appreciation on behalf of the State for the excellent work they do. I sincerely hope the Minister for Finance will take this on board in his deliberations when he is considering his budget, which will be delivered in October this year.”
“Its rapid transport solutions fulfil individual patient requirements quickly and play a vital role in life-saving efforts. Their skilled volunteers are trained to the highest standards and equipped with the best technology to ensure swift and sure delivery or pickups. These services are vital and that is why it is such a pity that charities have to raise funds to pay for road tax on these vehicles that provide such essential services. It would not be unreasonable that these fees for road tax should be waived for these particular organisations. We are deeply indebted to these volunteers, who do such great work, and I feel that it would be a little "Thank you" to those organisations if the State was able to pick up the fee for road tax. I look forward to the Minister of State's response.”
“Vehicles range from custom wheelchair accessible minibuses to standard cars, ensuring that vulnerable patients safely reach critical treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy without financial or geographical barriers. They provide secure, confidential, one-to-one transport for patients who may feel very vulnerable and anxious in regard to travelling at that difficult time for them. Crocus is just one of many support groups across the country that are doing this invaluable work and we are deeply indebted to them all. Similarly, Blood Bikes provides a crucial service to hospitals, medical centres, nursing homes and GPs across Ireland by delivering and retrieving urgent medical essentials, including whole blood, plasma, fresh milk, and many other critical items.”
“The volunteer drivers pick up patients either directly from their homes or from the Crocus centre in Monaghan town and transport them to hospital appointments, which are typically in Dublin and Cavan. The service is available completely free of charge to any Crocus members requiring transportation to cancer-related treatments and appointments. Vehicles used exclusively for the transport of cancer patients are typically operated by charities such as Crocus and involve volunteer drivers who transport patients to and from their appointments, and we are deeply indebted to them all. The drivers' fuel and travel-related costs are also covered by the organisation.”
“The Minister of State is very welcome to the House this afternoon and I thank him for being here. The Crocus Cancer Support Centre in Monaghan is our local cancer support group and operates two free volunteer-driven vehicles, known as the "Crocus cruisers", to exclusively transport local cancer patients to and from their hospital appointments. Last year, it was delighted to receive €37,000 from the Department of Transport, which enabled it to purchase that second vehicle. The service removes travel-related stress and is entirely free for the membership. The Crocus peer support group helps those living with cancer diagnoses who are at different stages of their journeys with all sorts of therapies, counselling, and even the chat. The cars boost Crocus's ability to help local patents by providing transport to appointments and therapies.”
“It is a hugely successful initiative that helps the economic and social activity in our towns. It is very positive on a summer’s evening to see people sitting out having a coffee, a beer or whatever. Overall, this is very sensible and balanced legislation. It strengthens protections for victims, supports front-line justice services, promotes rehabilitation where appropriate and modernises important areas of law and public administration. For those reasons, on behalf of the Fianna Fáil group, I fully support and welcome this legislation. I again commend the Minister on the enthusiasm with which he is carrying out his role.”
“In addition, it introduces practical measures to improve efficiency across the justice system, including facilitating remote appearance through video-link technology, reducing the unnecessary demands on gardaí and prison resources, and allowing the Chief Justice to delegate certain administrative functions to other members of the Judiciary. Again, that is a very sensible and practical approach, allowing us to free up our gardaí to stay on the streets where we all like to see their presence. On the civil law side, the Bill also provides the legal framework for outdoor seating and licensed premises, supporting businesses and social activities in towns and cities across the country. That has been a hugely positive development that came out of the Covid pandemic - one of the very few positive outcomes from it.”
“It has created a new very positive pathway for them compared with the negative one they had found themselves on. I am very much in favour of that. This in turn will help reserve prison spaces for offenders who genuinely require imprisonment while ensuring appropriate punishment and rehabilitation in suitable cases. The legislation also improves safety within our prisons by removing the legal barrier preventing prison officers from using incapacitant spray. Any use of such equipment will be carefully regulated - rightly so - and limited to trained officers in appropriate circumstances. The Bill also modernises our approach to missing persons investigations by allowing more advanced DNA analysis techniques, increasing the likelihood of identifying missing, unknown and deceased persons, and providing answers for families seeking closure.”
“This ensures that an independent judge will assess whether records are relevant, helping to protect complainants’ privacy, while maintaining the right to a fair trial. That is very welcome mechanism. A further key objective is to address prison overcrowding which the Minister is familiar with. The Bill encourages greater use of community service orders by requiring courts to consider them as an alternative to prison sentences of up to two years, and by increasing the maximum number of community service hours that may be imposed. That is a hugely positive incentive. We can do much more there and I am glad that the Minister is expanding that role. I see at first hand in my neck of the woods the huge contribution those people are making to society generally. I have spoken to a number of them.”