THE Law Society has called for a full and balanced debate on changing the bail laws. In a statement, it said the issues should not be presented as a vote for or against crime but as a complex issue affecting every citizen's rights.
The society said it was concerned at the effect on "our already chaotic and inadequate prison system" of more people held in custody. Prisons would have to release convicted prisoners to make way for remand prisoners. "This would worsen rather than improve the crime situation and make a mockery of the sentences imposed," it said.
The society accepted that measures should be taken on the problem of offences committed while on bail. But it said existing legislation could deal with this without endangering the presumption of innocence and tampering with the citizen's constitutional protection.
Meanwhile, a body has been set up to call for a "No" vote in the bail referendum, claiming the proposed amendment to the Constitution is a serious threat to civil liberties and human rights.
A Right to Bail campaign will be launched today by the body, formed by the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, the Irish Penal Reform Trust and a number of individuals.