07/03/2018

New Bill Approved For Stricter Penalties Against Repeat Sexual Offenders

The Government has approved the drafting and publication of the General Scheme of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2018.

The new Bill aims to introduce stricter penalties for repeat sexual offenders as well as equalise the maximum penalties for incest at 10 years for both male and female offenders. It will extend and strengthen existing criminal law on sexual offences through the introduction of presumptive minimum sentences for repeat offenders.

The provisions broadly reflect the proposals contained in a Private Members Bill introduced by Minister of State Kevin 'Boxer' Moran last year, which were taken forward by the Government.

Welcoming the decision to approve the drafting of the legislation, Minister for Justice and Equality, Mr Charlie Flanagan said: "I am very pleased to be able to introduce this Scheme which will ensure that a minimum sentence is in place for repeat sex offenders. Minimum sentences are intended to reflect the impact on society of serious crimes.

"Many convicted sex offenders are effectively managed on their release from prison by the Probation Service and An Garda Síochána and do not commit further offences, but some do go on to offend again and this should be reflected in legislation. I would like to thank Minister of State Moran for his work in this area, which helped bring this bill to this point."

Minister of State for Office of Public Works and Flood Relief, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, added: "I welcome the introduction of this Scheme by my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality. I believe these proposals will address my very serious concerns around repeat sexual offenders which led to the publication of my Private Member's Bill last year. That's why I got involved in this, and I am satisfied at seeing legislation developed in this important area."

(LM)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

01 June 2010
SF Highlights Street Violence
There's to be a meeting today on how to address the problem of violent and anti-social crime in west Belfast. Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams will discuss the issues with the Minister of Justice David Ford and is set to include recent developments in west Belfast in the aftermath of the brutal murder of Lenadoon man Seamus Fox murder.
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.
24 September 2015
Minister For Children Welcomes Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2015
The new Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2015 is to introduce a range of reforms of the law, containing significant measures to protect children and young people from sexual abuse and exploitation.
27 July 2016
Almost 12,000 Contacted Dublin Rape Crises Centre In 2015
Almost 12,000 people contact the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre in 2015, the organisation has reported. The official figures shows that half of those contacting the national helpline were doing so for the first time about rape or sexual abuse.
10 September 2013
16% Of Students Have An Unwanted Sexual Experience, Report Shows
Senator Ivana Bacik is launching a landmark report published by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) entitled 'Say Something', which documents students' experiences of harassment, stalking, violence and sexual assaults. The report finds that 16% of students overall have had some unwanted sexual experience during their time as a student.