Bail Law

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2016

Tuesday, 25 October 2016

Questions (117)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

117. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will reform the bail laws to include electronic monitoring for persistent offenders and to ensure that any accused person charged for a third time with an offence similar to a previous conviction would only be granted bail on condition that he or she is electronically monitored by an approved monitoring system (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31667/16]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality

The Programme for Government undertakes to introduce and fast-track legislation providing for stricter bail terms for repeat serious offenders which includes the introduction of electronic tagging. In line with these commitments, the new Bail Bill is being drafted as a priority and will be published this session. This Bill will contain streamlined provisions for the electronic monitoring of persons on bail to facilitate the focused and targeted use of monitoring in appropriate cases.

The Bill will also take account of the bail provisions contained in the Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Act 2015, which seeks to ensure that prolific burglars can be refused bail in appropriate cases.

Other provisions of the Bill will place clear new requirements on the courts in considering bail applications, including that the courts must have regard to persistent serious offending by an applicant before a decision on bail is taken.