Do not guillotine it.

Sentiment score: 0.00

I move amendment No. 15: In page 17, line 33, to delete “paragraph” where it firstly occurs and substitute “paragraphs”. I will again be brief because I want to get to the next section, which is really important. This section is also important. Amendments Nos. 15 and 16 were proposed by a group of academic researchers and experts in probation services. Most of them gave their time to the joint committee as witnesses. They are experts in community sanctions, judicial attitudes, sentences and use of research and evidence in criminal justice policy. I know they sent these amendments to the Minister. I withdrew them on Committee Stage because he said he would consider bringing something forward himself. I will not argue the rest of the case. I want to hear if the Minister has considered bringing forward similar amendments. If he has not, what is the reason for not doing so?

Sentiment score: 0.05

It is ironic that the Minister is talking about merging Acts. He has merged a whole panoply of issues into one Bill here. I listened to the previous debate, and he wanted to squash everything in. I am sure there was a way to get this done. I will bring something forward on this again in my own time, probably as Private Members' business.

Sentiment score: 0.04

I move amendment No. 16: In page 18, between lines 3 and 4, to insert the following: “(ab) Where a court, by or before which an offender stands convicted, is of opinion that the appropriate sentence in respect of the offence of which the offender is convicted would, but for this Act, be one of imprisonment for a period of 24 months or less, and where, having considered in accordance with subsection (3) whether to make a community service order, decides not to make such an order, the court shall, as an alternative to that sentence, consider whether to make a probation order in respect of the offender and the court may, if satisfied, in relation to the offender, that such an order is appropriate, make a probation order in accordance with this section. (ac) Where a court, having considered in accordance with paragraph (a) whether to make a probation order, decides not to make such an order, it shall give reasons for its decision.”,”.

Sentiment score: -0.02