John O'Donoghue
Question:40 Mr. O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice the proposals, if any, she has to amend the bail laws in this country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5294/95]
Written Answers. - Bail Laws Amendment.
Liam Lawlor
Question:125 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Justice the proposals, if any, she has to change the constitutional position on the granting of bail; if she intends to include a proposal on the same ballot paper as the divorce proposal; when she will make known the wording for the bail proposal; if the Government intends to put forward any other constitutional amendments to coincide with the divorce referendum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5724/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 125.
I should say initially that I share the public concern that our bail laws are being abused. I am at present awaiting a report from the Law Reform Commission on the law in relation to bail which I hope to receive as quickly as possible. In the meantime my Department has been examining the form of wording for a constitutional amendment to be put to the people on this issue. An option which I will ask the Government to consider will be holding a referendum on bail at the same time as the referendum on divorce. I have no proposals in relation to other constitutional changes.