I have raised this as an issue on the Order of Business a number of times. I know there are no amendments to the Bill. As for its general application, however, in the context of this section and the application of military law to serious criminal offences, has the Department given any consideration to, for example, application beyond the court martial for people accused? There is a concern, which other Senators have raised in the Chamber, that somebody who is the subject of military law and who may have been accused of quite a serious criminal offence would see that offence downgraded within a code of military justice or a code of military offences. Does the Bill in any way restrict the ability of the law of the State to deal with such persons who are charged with serious offences? I do not think this comes under any specific section, but has the Department given any consideration as to whether there is any danger that those who are accused of serious offences, particularly sexual offences, may be able to escape full justice in respect of such offences if proven against them? Is there any issue in that regard?
Defence Forces (Evidence) Bill 2019: Committee and Remaining Stages
Sections 1 to 38, inclusive, agreed to.
SECTION 39
Question proposed: "That section 39 stand part of the Bill."
The position is that the Bill does not endanger the criminal justice system in the way referred to by the Senator and that such people would be subject to full justice, as per the legal position of the State.
Question put and agreed to.
Sections 40 to 94, inclusive, agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Bill reported without amendment.
When is it proposed to take Report Stage?
Now.
Is that agreed? Agreed.
Bill received for final consideration.
When is it proposed to take Fifth Stage?
Now.
Is that agreed? Agreed.
Question, "That the Bill do now pass", put and agreed to.
Cuireadh an Seanad ar fionraí ar 3.46 p.m. agus cuireadh tús leis arís ar 4.15 p.m.
Sitting suspended at 3.46 p.m. and resumed at 4.15 p.m.