Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2023
527. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the status of his commitment to broadening the range of convictions that are considered spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7342/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, 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. Based on the outcome of that consultation and other submissions received as well as the 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. This matter and the report remain under consideration at this time.
In parallel, department officials have engaged with Senator Ruane in respect of the Criminal Justice (Rehabilitative Periods) Bill that she has brought forward and will continue to do so, as required.
