The jailing yesterday of Joseph Cummins for a rape carried out two years ago while he was on bail underlines the need for the electronic tagging of people granted bail by the courts, Fine Gael spokesman on justice Jim O'Keeffe has said.
Mr O'Keeffe said while Cummins was on bail relating to road traffic offences, rather than more serious charges, he had a criminal record which suggested he would reoffend if free without the restrictions offered by tagging.
"I was absolutely shocked when I heard about the case and I believe that it completely underlines the view taken by myself and Enda Kenny that tagging should be introduced for those on bail."
If bailed criminals and suspects were tagged they would be fully aware that their movements to and from the scene of any crime they might commit would be closely monitored. If it did not prevent them from carrying out further crimes, it would assist in large part in the solving of such crimes.
"Obviously there are logistical difficulties in introducing such a system, primarily who would operate it, would it be outsourced. But these have all been overcome elsewhere so I don't see why it couldn't work here," Mr O'Keeffe said.
Minister for Justice Michael McDowell has already introduced enabling legislation which would allow for the electronic tagging of offenders. However, he has said he has no immediate plans to introduce tagging as more preparatory work was required.