Frances Fitzgerald
Question:12 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself that legislation is adequate at present to deal with public order offences. [20760/00]
Written Answers. - Public Order Offences.
The Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994, which deals with public order offences, represented a radical overhaul of criminal justice legislation in the area of public order. It provides for a range of public order offences which can be committed in public places, such as intoxication, disorderly conduct, threatening or abusive behaviour, riot, affray, etc. It also provides the gardaí with important powers to deal with public order offenders.
I understand that the provisions of the 1994 Act are used extensively by the gardaí and that it is widely accepted that the legislation has proved invaluable to the gardaí in dealing with public order offences. I am, therefore, satisfied that the 1994 Act is providing an effective legal framework for dealing with behaviours which threaten public order. However, like all legislation, the 1994 Act is kept under review. In this respect, the Deputy may be aware from the press release on the Government's legislation programme, issued by the office of the Government Chief Whip on 27 September 2000, that a Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill forms part of that programme. This Bill, the heads of which are currently being prepared within my Department, will provide for miscellaneous criminal law reform matters. I am in consultation with the Garda authorities in relation to provisions to be included in the Bill, and any proposals from the gardaí to include provisions to amend the 1994 Act will be carefully considered in that context.