Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 October 2013
109. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the Spent Convictions Bill; when the remaining stages of the Bill will be taken; when it is likely to complete its passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43883/13]
View answerThe Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions) Bill 2012 passed Committee Stage in Dáil Éireann on 20 March 2013, having previously passed all stages in the Seanad. However, before the Bill was taken at Report Stage, a judgment of the Court of Appeal in England and Wales was published which has necessitated a review of the provisions concerning the disclosure of certain old minor convictions under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012. Given the close relationship between the two pieces of legislation, any changes to the Vetting Act will have to be reflected in the Spent Convictions Bill.
It is my intention that the review will be completed shortly and that the Spent Convictions Bill will be enacted as soon as possible thereafter.
