Electronic tagging legislation
Willie O'Dea asks when promised electronic tagging legislation will be published. The Minister says the scheme is already operating on a pilot basis and further legislation is in place or not yet identified.
The programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce electronic tagging for those on bail in respect of whom that is requested by the Garda. The commitment is supplemented by a promise to fast-track the related legislation. The programme for Government was published 19 months ago, in May 2016, and problems in that regard have considerably increased since then. When will the legislation be published?
Comment on this
The electronic tagging scheme is under way on a pilot basis. The plan is to further expand and develop the scheme in accordance with appropriate resources.
Comment on this
On a point of order, I asked when Members can expect to see the legislation promised in the programme for Government.
Comment on this
The legislation providing for electronic tagging is already in place. As regards further legislation, I refer the Deputy to the Criminal Justice Act 2017, which is now in force. I am unsure what further legislation he is referring to as regards the programme for Government. I will be happy to assist if he identifies the legislation.