Forensic evidence and electronic tagging Bills
Deputy Griffin asks about forensic DNA, fines and electronic tagging legislation; the Tánaiste expects the DNA Bill this session and sexual-offences legislation, including tagging proposals, next year.
When will the criminal justice (forensic evidence and DNA database system) Bill be published? This legislation will certainly be of assistance in the fight against crime. When will the fines (amendment) Bill be published? Will the Tánaiste provide an update on progress with regard to the electronic tagging of sex offenders and any legislative provisions which might make this possible?
Comment on this
The criminal justice (forensic evidence and DNA database system) Bill is very near completion and it is hoped that it will be published this session. The criminal law (sexual offences) Bill is probably the legislation to which the Deputy is referring in the context of electronic tagging. Proposals relating to this matter were brought to Government last July and it is hoped that the Bill will be published next year.