Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I agree. For spent convictions and convictions in general, it is not about what the public will or will not say about the matter. I did not have any negative pushback when I introduced the legislation. People understand it. It highlights the disproportionate way in which such laws and regimes affect people in minority groups and lower social classes. It is not that the likelihood of offending is higher because someone is from a lower social class but rather the likelihood of being caught is disproportionate. The presence of gardaí in communities, the unconscious bias in the justice system and so on contribute to a disproportionate implementation of the law, of which people are aware. Irrespective of what part of society someone is from, he or she may have an conviction or will understand it can negatively affect others more.