Menu
04/05/2012
Criminal Justice Bill Will Benefit Ex-Offenders
The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter, T.D., announced today the publication of the Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions) Bill 2012, which was approved by Government on 1 May 2012.
The Bill provides for certain convictions to become spent after a number of years conviction-free have elapsed. The length of time that a person must remain conviction-free ranges from 3 to 7 years depending on the sentence originally imposed by the courts. Custodial sentences of 1 year or less as well as a range of non custodial sentences are covered by the Bill.
The Minister said that the publication of the Bill was a significant milestone in the rehabilitation of offenders in Ireland.
He said: "This legislation brings Ireland into line with most other EU Member States in providing that people convicted of offences can eventually leave their past behind them and get on with their lives. The Bill should be of particular benefit to ex-offenders, who often find their path to employment blocked, once they admit to a previous offence."
The Minister continued: "I believe that society's interests and those of the offender who mends his or her ways can coincide. It is in everyone's interest that offenders who have paid their debt to society and want to leave crime behind are encouraged to do so."
(CD)
The Bill provides for certain convictions to become spent after a number of years conviction-free have elapsed. The length of time that a person must remain conviction-free ranges from 3 to 7 years depending on the sentence originally imposed by the courts. Custodial sentences of 1 year or less as well as a range of non custodial sentences are covered by the Bill.
The Minister said that the publication of the Bill was a significant milestone in the rehabilitation of offenders in Ireland.
He said: "This legislation brings Ireland into line with most other EU Member States in providing that people convicted of offences can eventually leave their past behind them and get on with their lives. The Bill should be of particular benefit to ex-offenders, who often find their path to employment blocked, once they admit to a previous offence."
The Minister continued: "I believe that society's interests and those of the offender who mends his or her ways can coincide. It is in everyone's interest that offenders who have paid their debt to society and want to leave crime behind are encouraged to do so."
(CD)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 June 2016
Fianna Fáil Introduces New Parole Bill 2016
Fianna Fáil has introduced a new Parole Bill 2016, which aims to protect communities and "address a significant failing in our criminal justice system", Justice spokesperson Jim O'Callaghan has announced. "In bringing forward this Bill, Fianna Fáil is attempting to address a significant failing in our criminal justice system.
Fianna Fáil Introduces New Parole Bill 2016
Fianna Fáil has introduced a new Parole Bill 2016, which aims to protect communities and "address a significant failing in our criminal justice system", Justice spokesperson Jim O'Callaghan has announced. "In bringing forward this Bill, Fianna Fáil is attempting to address a significant failing in our criminal justice system.
15 July 2013
Govt Approves General Scheme Of The Gambling Control Bill
Alan Shatter TD, Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence has announced that the Government has approved the General Scheme of the Gambling Control Bill 2013. Work will now get underway on completing the drafting of the Bill.
Govt Approves General Scheme Of The Gambling Control Bill
Alan Shatter TD, Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence has announced that the Government has approved the General Scheme of the Gambling Control Bill 2013. Work will now get underway on completing the drafting of the Bill.
28 July 2011
Encouraging Trend In Crime Figures Welcomed
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) today published the recorded crime statistics for the second quarter of 2011. Speaking on publication, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Mr Alan Shatter, welcomed the decreases in all of the 14 crime groups, compared with the same quarter in 2010.
Encouraging Trend In Crime Figures Welcomed
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) today published the recorded crime statistics for the second quarter of 2011. Speaking on publication, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Mr Alan Shatter, welcomed the decreases in all of the 14 crime groups, compared with the same quarter in 2010.
06 June 2014
Govt Urged To End Political Appointments To Judiciary
The government has been urged to make sure it is the last to make political appointments to the judiciary. Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Pádraig Mac Lochlainn made the appeal today as the second stage of his Reform of Judicial Appointments Procedures Bill 2013 was debated in the Dáil.
Govt Urged To End Political Appointments To Judiciary
The government has been urged to make sure it is the last to make political appointments to the judiciary. Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Pádraig Mac Lochlainn made the appeal today as the second stage of his Reform of Judicial Appointments Procedures Bill 2013 was debated in the Dáil.
18 October 2010
Justice Bill Seeks Better Deal For Victims
For the first time in four decades, a new Justice Bill has been published in Northern Ireland.
Justice Bill Seeks Better Deal For Victims
For the first time in four decades, a new Justice Bill has been published in Northern Ireland.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
