Offences against the State (Amendment) Bill, 1972

Public bill · Government · Introduced

The measure would strengthen the State’s laws against politically motivated violence and unlawful organisations. It would allow Gardaí to require people found near a serious security-related offence to give their name, address and recent movements, with penalties for refusing or providing false information. Statements, behaviour or a senior Garda officer’s evidence could be used to show that someone belonged to an unlawful organisation, while public statements, meetings or demonstrations intended, or likely, to influence court proceedings would become offences. It would also broaden the meaning of “document” to cover maps, photographs, recordings, films and other visual material, giving the authorities wider powers to use such evidence.

Last updated 16 June 2020