Jim Daly
Ceist:1089. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he expects the enactment of the Spent Convictions Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37849/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 18 September 2013
Ceisteanna (1089, 1111)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:1111. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he expects to complete and enact the Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions) Bill 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38405/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1089 and 1111 together.
The 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 I hope that it will be possible to have the Spent Convictions Bill enacted during this term.