Too many offenders given short sentences for ‘heinous crimes’, Tánaiste says

By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association

There are “too many examples of people who are given relatively short sentences” for “heinous crimes”, the Tánaiste has said.

Simon Harris said he would engage with Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan over sentencing for those convicted of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Speaking to reporters before Cabinet on Tuesday, the Tánaiste also said prison capacity should not be a factor in determining sentencing or granting of bail.

Asked about people receiving suspended sentences for possession of child sexual abuse material, Harris said: “We need to take a very, very serious approach here and use all of the tools at our disposal to make sure we keep our children safe.”

A lack of prison capacity should never be a reason that in any way interferes consciously or subconsciously in relation to the sentencing or the granting or not granting of bail

He added: “It is absolutely sickening. It goes against every fibre in our being when we see anybody engaging in such depraved crimes against children not meeting the full rigours of what I think Irish people expect in relation to justice.

“I’ll certainly talk to the Minister for Justice in relation to what the most effective way is in taking this forward.”

On relation to reform of bail laws being considered by O’Callaghan, Harris said there was a need to “deal with prison capacity in relation to that too”.

The Fine Gael leader said: “If you look at it purely from a demographic point of view – without wishing to increase the percentage of people in prison – that the population has grown so significantly at a time when prison capacity hasn’t grown.

“We are going to need to increase prison capacity. We’re hearing too many examples of people who are given relatively short sentences and not serving at all.”

He added: “No doubt, even at a subconscious level, that must have an effect on some of the decisions being made by the court if they are aware that there isn’t adequate prison capacity.

“A lack of prison capacity should never be a reason that in any way interferes consciously or subconsciously in relation to the sentencing or the granting or not granting of bail.”