Select Committee on Finance and General Affairs debate -
Tuesday, 20 Jul 1993

SECTION 16.

Ms. Keogh

I move amendment No. 32:

In page 13, between lines 45 and 46, to insert the following subsection:

"(3) If a person so detained is, in the opinion of the member of the Garda Síochána, under 18 years of age, the member-in-charge shall as soon as is practicable, if it is reasonably possible to do so, inform a relative of the person or such other person as the person so detained may specify of the detention.".

I tabled this amendment because I was not sure from my reading of the Bill that someone under 18 years of age would be detained without any responsible person, be they a relative or any other person deemed to be responsible by the member in charge in the station, being informed, or that they would not have their visit to the Garda station recorded. I am not sure if my reading of this section is correct. I am concerned about anyone under 18 years being in custody without a responsible person being aware of it.

Mr. M. Smith

I am constantly trying to prove how well I listen to what is said here. In this case the point about the relevance of having the section applied to all age groups, including young people, is valid. If the Deputy withdraws her amendment as I cannot accept it in its present form for Report Stage I will combine the two points in order to meet her wishes which I consider valid in this case.

Ms. Keogh

I am delighted at the Minister's response and, in the light of his reply, I am prepared to withdraw my amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Section 16 agreed to.