Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2021
315. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the number of offences committed by persons while on bail for one or more offences in each of the past five years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37099/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra321. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the average number of accused persons on bail at any given time in the past five years; the number of crimes committed by such persons while on bail; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37105/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 315 and 321 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, the decision to grant bail in a particular case is a matter for the presiding Judge, who is independent in the exercise of his or her judicial functions. There is also a Constitutional presumption in favour of the grant of bail as, under Irish Law, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. I have made enquiries in relation to the data requested by the Deputy and I am advised that the information sought is not readily available.
However, in general terms, the Deputy may be interested to note that the Criminal Justice Act 2017 strengthens the operation of the bail system with the aim of making the law as effective as possible in protecting the public against crimes committed by persons on bail.
Under the Act, a Court, in considering an application for bail, is required to have regard to persistent serious offending by an applicant for bail and the nature and seriousness of any danger presented by the grant of bail to a person charged with an offence that carries a penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment or more. The Act also provides for the Court to have the power, in certain circumstances, to hear evidence from the victim of an alleged offence before a decision on bail is taken.
Where an accused person is granted bail, the Act provides for stricter bail terms for repeat serious offenders, strengthens Garda powers to deal with breaches of bail and increases the use of curfews.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the amended bail laws have proven to be effective and I can inform the Deputy there are no immediate plans to introduce further bail legislation.
