Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2024
363. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice her views on whether sufficient legal provisions exist to deter individuals from making false complaints to An Garda Síochána; if she has any intention to update the law in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20303/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may know, it is an offence to make a false report to the Gardaí. Under section 12 of the Criminal Law Act (1976), a person who knowingly makes a false report or statement that an offence has been committed, or who knowingly makes a false report or statement relevant to enquiries by An Garda Síochána causing their time to be wastefully employed, shall be guilty of an offence.
On summary conviction the offender shall be liable to a fine not exceeding €4,000, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months.
On conviction on indictment, the offender shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years.
There are currently no plans to change this legislation.
