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Garda

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10 items

Part of
Crime
Enacted

Criminal Law, Civil Law and Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026

A wide-ranging justice and public safety package, this measure would change several criminal and civil law rules at once. It would let prison officers use incapacitant spray in approved circumstances, allow Gardaí to arrest some extradition cases without a warrant, broaden community service orders, tighten handling of counselling records in sexual offence cases, update DNA rules for missing-person cases, create new offences for offering housing in return for sex, and put outdoor seating for pubs on a permanent footing. It also makes a series of smaller changes to court administration, citizenship proof, bail, anti-social behaviour orders, and other justice procedures.
Current

Railway Safety Bill 2026

The Railway Safety Bill 2026 would put the Railway Accident Investigation Unit on a permanent legal footing and allow it to investigate accidents and incidents across all types of railway, including Luas, metro and heritage railways. It would also strengthen rules for safety-critical railway workers by lowering alcohol limits, introducing drug testing and updating Garda powers and procedures, while making related changes to the Medical Bureau of Road Safety’s records.
Enacted

Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) (Amendment) Bill 2025

The measure would let Gardaí use biometric analysis on recordings, images and similar material to help identify people, but only in limited cases such as serious offences, missing persons cases, or protecting State security. It would also require detailed rules on how the technology is used, including checks on privacy and human-rights impacts, consultation with oversight bodies, approval by the Oireachtas, and annual reporting by a High Court judge. That matters because it gives Gardaí a new investigative tool while trying to put strong controls around a powerful and sensitive technology.
Dáil

Alleged fraud in online safety company

Deputy Lawless outlined allegations of fraud, unpaid wages and falsified contracts involving an Irish child-safety company. The Tánaiste declined to comment further because of the apparent Garda investigation.
Dáil

E-scooter injuries in children

Deputies raised the alarming rise in child injuries and traumatic brain injuries linked to e-scooters, and the Tánaiste agreed urgent action was needed. The discussion moved from possible bans to calls for workable regulation and parental responsibility.
Dáil

EU Presidency

During Ireland’s EU Presidency, the Minister said security is led by An Garda Síochána with Defence Forces support on request, backed by a joint task force and existing co-operation with the UK, France and EU partners. She pointed to growing focus on maritime, cyber and critical infrastructure threats, with radar and sonar capabilities being developed, including a radar picture by 2028.
Current

Garda Síochána (Powers) Bill 2026

The Garda Síochána (Powers) Bill 2026 would create a single, updated framework for Garda stop-and-search powers, premises searches and access to data on phones, computers and other electronic systems. It would require clearer reasons and records for searches, court approval for accessing seized devices, protections for legally privileged material, and new urgent-search procedures. People in Garda custody would generally have the right to consult a solicitor before questioning and have one present, while serious-offence interviews would be electronically recorded. The measures aim to make investigations more effective while strengthening safeguards and accountability.
Enacted

International Co-operation (Omagh Bombing Inquiry) Bill 2026

Permits evidence to be taken in Ireland for the Omagh Bombing Inquiry in the UK from current and former Garda members, Defence Forces members, certain civil servants, and former ministers, where they have relevant information and agree to take part if required. It sets up a process where a High Court judge hears the evidence, with the Inquiry able to ask follow-up questions, while protecting witnesses and allowing refusals where security, investigations, or official functions would be affected. It matters because it gives the Irish State a clearer legal way to help the inquiry investigate whether the 1998 Omagh bombing could have been prevented.
Seanad

Responses to raised issues

Senator O'Reilly replied to earlier speakers on acquired brain injury, delays in energy support and other matters, agreeing that services and responses need improvement. The Chair corrected him for skipping Senator Scahill, who had raised the fraud issue.
Seanad

Warmer homes scheme delay

Senator Byrne described a constituent's long wait for a SEAI warmer homes scheme inspection and support for home energy upgrades.