Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
1123. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice the number of prosecutions made under the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Bill 2017; the number which led to successful convictions; and the specific crimes involved. [14017/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, prosecutions are a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The DPP is wholly independent in her functions under the Prosecution of Offences Act 1974 (as amended) and, as Minister, I have no role in the operations, decision making process, governance or oversight of the Office of the Director.
As a result I am unable to provide any statistical information related to the work of, or decisions taken by, the DPP.
Likewise, management of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas at: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie and will be able to provide any information that is available to the Deputy in respect of the convictions enquired about.
In order to be of assistance to the Deputy I have referred the question to the Courts Service for its direct reply.
