Gay Mitchell
Question:7 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice if she will make a statement on the Law Reform Commission consultative document published on 24 March 1993; and her views on the document.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Consultation Paper on Sentencing.
I do not intend to make any statement on the Law Reform Commission Consultation Paper on Sentencing other than to say that I welcome its publication and look forward to receiving their final recommendations as soon as possible.
Is the Department considering independently some of the recommendations of the Law Reform Commission, particularly in relation to indexation of fines, the prosecution having the right to appeal sentences in terms of the recommendations made in the report, the question of organising judicial education — the Law Reform Commission feel that some judges need education — and the introduction of mandatory victim impact statements? Are those matters being given separate consideration by the Department?
The matters referred to by the Deputy were under consideration regardless of the consultation document which the Law Reform Commission published. That document is 400 pages long and is in circulation less than a week. All of us who have an interest in it, as I know the Deputy has, need time to consider the interim recommendations. I am anxious that as full a debate as possible, which is what the Law Reform Commission have asked for, would take place in relation to the discussion document, that all the submissions requested be back by 1 June and that the Law Reform Commission be free to go ahead with its full and final report to the Department so that if areas of legislation have to be amended that that be done as quickly as possible.
Is the Department of Justice actively considering mandatory victim impact statements?
The Irish Association of Victim Support mentioned that matter at a recent meeting with me and discussed it at their annual conference last Friday. It is something I am very much aware of. The Department is considering the proposals which the association left with me.