Seán Barrett
Question:61 Mr. S. Barrett asked the Minister for Justice if he intends establishing a criminal law reform commission to update our criminal law; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Criminal Law Reform.
I have no proposals for the establishment of a separate Law Reform Commission for the purpose referred to in the question.
My approach to the need for updating the criminal law is to deal with the matter on a systematic basis affording priority to those areas most in need of review. In this I am assisted by the work of the Law Reform Commission who have published recommendations on many aspects of the criminal law and are currently reviewing other criminal law matters.
Since assuming office as Minister in July 1989 I think I can justifably claim a large measure of success in bringing forward and securing the enactment of legislation in the criminal area. I have promoted a number of important Bills which have been enacted — the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act, 1989; the Larceny Act, 1990; the Criminal Justice Act, 1990 — abolition of the death penalty; the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990; the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act, 1990 and the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence) Act, 1990. The Criminal Damage Bill, 1991, introduced by me, is before this House at present. I hope shortly to be in a position to publish a criminal evidence Bill and a Bill to provide for the seizure and confiscation of the proceeds of drug trafficking and the prevention of money laundering. I will also be bringing forward proposals to amend the law relating to certain sexual offences (including homosexual offences) and to amend the law in relation to criminal insanity.
The Law Reform Commission are at present conducting a comprehensive review of the law on dishonesty and fraud and their recommendations will be dealt with when received.
I think this record is clear evidence of progress on criminal law reform and of the effectiveness of the manner in which it is being tackled.