Further Criminal Justice Bill Consideration

Detailed consideration of the Criminal Justice Bill is to continue in the Dáil today. The Committee Stage of the Bill had been due to conclude yesterday but the Government agreed to Opposition requests for extra time.

Solicitors, barristers and the Human Rights Commission have asked for this Bill to be deferred until after the General Election. However, after a further hour of debate this morning, the Committee Stage of the new criminal justice legislation is set to conclude.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell, is to consider a point raised by Labour’s Brendan Howlin about mandatory ten year sentences for people caught with more than €10.5m worth of drugs.

Deputy Howlin said there was a danger that anyone caught with a lower amount would be given a lighter sentence. Mr McDowell said it would be wrong if it had that effect, and he wanted to look at the issue very carefully.