asked the Minister for Justice whether he is satisfied that existing legislation is adequate to punish all those found guilty of assaulting members of the Garda Síochána.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Assaults on Garda.
26.
I have no reason to think that existing legislation is not adequate to deal with persons convicted of assaults on members of the Garda Síochána. The offence of assaulting a member of the Garda Síochána in the execution of his duty carries a penalty of up to two years imprisonment while for more serious assaults much heavier penalties—ranging up to penal servitude for life—may be imposed. The Deputy will appreciate, of course, that the penalty to be imposed in a particular case is a matter for the discretion of the court, subject to the limits I have mentioned.
Is the Chair aware that Deputy Desmond has been trying to raise a point of order?
He has raised several which were not point of order.
What is the point of order?
A Cheann Comhairle, I specifically asked the Minister, if he would state the number of unlicensed money-lenders in the country and not just the number in Dublin?
Again, Deputy, that is not a point of order.
(Interruptions.)
Arising out of the Minister's reply to Question No. 26 is he aware of a particular case in this city when a man, who stabbed a guard, was allowed out on bail and while that man was-on bail he murdered two people? Does the Minister not agree that these cases should be dealt with immediately and that they should not be allowed out on bail to commit further crimes?
I referred to this fact in dealing with the Estimate for my Department and I shall deal with it further in my reply. In my view the law in this matter is very unsatisfactory as a result of the recent High Court decision.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.