Joint Committee on Justice to discuss begin pre-legislative scrutiny of Garda Síochána (Powers) Bill 2021

The meeting at 5.30pm in Committee Room 1 of Leinster House will hear from:

• Representatives from The Policing Authority;
• Representatives from Data Protection Commission;
• Clare Daly, MEP; and
• Officials from the Department of Justice.

Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy James Lawless said: “The Committee looks forward to discussing the Heads of this Bill with our stakeholders and examining in depth the issues that have been raised in their submissions on the powers this legislation proposes to grant An Garda Síochána. These include the power to stop and search for possession of prescribed articles, a record to be made of a search, powers under search warrant, application for a search warrant in urgent circumstances, a Code of Practice on arrest and access to legal representation.”

The Joint Committee on Justice has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

The meeting in Committee Room 1 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.