Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 January 2004
316 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans he has to amend the six month time limit as provided for in section 10(4) of the Petty Sessions (Ireland) Act 1854, either generally or with reference to specific offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2532/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI assume the Deputy is referring to the time limit of six months for laying a complaint alleging a summary offence provided for by section 10(4) of the Petty Sessions (Ireland) Act 1851, as amended by section 9 of the Statute of Limitations Act 1957. This provision applies to all summary offences except where individual statutes have provided otherwise. Such exceptions have been made in the main in relation to regulatory type offences.
I have no plans for a general review of the six months time limit. However, the Deputy will be interested to know that I am considering providing for an extension to that time limit for certain limited purposes in the proposed Garda Síochána Bill, which I intend to publish shortly, in the context of complaints against members of the Garda Síochána giving rise to the possibility of summary criminal proceedings.
