Bail laws and recidivism
Bernard J. Durkan asks whether tighter bail laws will curb criminal activity and repeat offending. The Taoiseach says the new Criminal Justice Bill 2016, which includes bail reforms, will be taken in the House the next day.
The level of low morale in An Garda Síochána has often been a topic in this House. What is particularly attributable to that is the degree to which the bail laws of this country are abused by criminal elements. To what extent are our proposals to restrict bail likely to be successful in dealing with this very important issue with particular reference to recidivism? Is it intended to introduce further legislation which might curtail the activities of the criminal classes?
Comment on this
Deputy Durkan has raised this issue many times over the years. He is aware of the sequencing of consecutive sentences and that bail can be refused. The Criminal Justice Bill 2016, which is the new bail Bill, will be dealt with in the House tomorrow.