Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Feb 1994

Vol. 438 No. 7

Written Answers. - Kidnapping Legislation.

Ivor Callely

Question:

103 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice if she will review existing legislation relating to kidnapping in view of recent events and a development of well organised extortion of ransom moneys, all of which may not be reported to the Garda authorities; the plans, if any, she has to address this problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn)

Existing law provides a penalty of up to life imprisonment for kidnapping and, while those areas of the law referred to by the Deputy are kept under review, I have no proposals for change at present beyond those contained in the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Bill, 1993 and the Criminal Justice (No. 3) Bill, 1993.