Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2022
398. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the estimated timeline for spent convictions legislation as committed to in the Programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46874/22]
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. Bespoke research on the approach to spent convictions internationally was also commissioned.
Informed by the consultation, other submissions received and international research, the Department has compiled a report aimed at identifying and assessing the possible implications of amending the 2016 Act so that the fairest possible outcomes can be achieved for the public.
I hope to be in a position to conclude the review over the coming period.
