John O'Donoghue
Question:68 Mr. O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to introduce electronic tagging of habitual criminal offenders. [9730/96]
Written Answers. - Electronic Tagging of Offenders.
I am glad to have the opportunity of outlining my plans in this regard. I am committed to the development of community sanctions and measures, together with planned and programmed release of offencers under the supervision of the probation and welfare service. In this context, I am having the matter of electronic tagging examined by my Department and I am closely monitoring the progress of a number of European schemes which have been set up on a pilot basis. When this examination is carried out I will then decide how best to progress our interests. I can tell the House, however, that the initial response which I am getting from some jurisdictions to electronic tagging is less than enthusiastic, not least on cost grounds. There would also be some additional problems for us. For example, it is essential that the offender has a telephone which would not always be the case here. However, as I have indicated, I will make a decision on this matter as soon as my Department has concluded its examination.