Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 February 2022
336. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Justice the status of the review into the Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions and Certain Disclosures) Act 2016; if her Department has considered drug offences in relation to this review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10616/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the Government commits in the Programme for Government to reviewing the Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions and Certain Disclosures) Act 2016 and to broaden the range of convictions that are considered spent. As part of this review process, a public consultation on spent convictions was launched in October 2020. I can confirm that certain offences relating to the personal possession of illegal drugs were considered as part of the review.
Based on the outcome of that consultation and other submissions received, as well as discussions with Senator Ruane in the context of her Criminal Justice (Rehabilitative Periods) Bill 2018, the Department is continuing work on identifying and assessing the possible implications of amending the 2016 Act so that the fairest possible outcomes can be achieved for the public. This matter remains under consideration at this time.
