8th July 2004
40. Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he intends to act on the recommendation of the Law Reform Commission that the DPP should be empowered to appeal unduly lenient sentences imposed by the District Court. [20724/04]
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): I have noted with interest the Law Reform Commission's consultation paper on prosecution appeals from unduly lenient sentences in the District Court. It provisionally recommends that a procedure for appealing against such sentences imposed in the District Court should be introduced into Irish law. I look forward to hearing the views and opinions of those who will take part in the consultation process that will follow. I also look forward to examining the commission's final recommendations on the subject as soon as they become available. When the commission's final report is published I will examine it with a view, if necessary, to bringing forward legislative proposals.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.