James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I note the concerns expressed by Senators about the Title. The Title was changed for the purposes of consistency on the advice of the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. I note the Senators' remarks in that regard. I cannot say why perjury was not put on a statutory footing before now. All I can say is that the provision is now going to be enacted and brought into law.

I acknowledge the tremendous work done by the former Senator, Pádraig Ó Céidigh, and his team to bring this legislation forward as a Private Members' Bill in 2018. If there is a chance towards the end of this debate, I would like to give him greater acknowledgement.

A Senator asked me to outline who can bring a prosecution. Perjury is a criminal offence. Anybody can, in the normal course, make a complaint to An Garda Síochána. Of course it is always open to any judge who believes a false statement has been made in court to refer the matter.