Criminal Justice (Withholding of Information on Offences Against Children and Vulnerable Persons) Bill 2012

Public bill · Government · Presented

People who know or believe that certain serious or sexual offences have been committed against a child or vulnerable adult, and have information that could help identify or prosecute the offender, would generally have to report it to the Gardaí promptly unless they have a reasonable excuse. The Bill provides exceptions where the victim, parent or guardian, or an appropriately involved health or support professional believes reporting would not be in the victim’s best interests, while introducing penalties linked to the seriousness of the offence and adjusting existing rules on withholding information.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to provide, in connection with the protection of children and certain vulnerable adults, for offences of withholding information relating to the commission of certain arrestable offences (including certain sexual offences) against children, or some such offences against such adults, in certain circumstances; to provide for the amendment of section 9 of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998; and to provide for related matters.

Last updated 25 October 2019