Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1409. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the expected timeframe for the implementation of the recommendations contained within a plan (details supplied); the status of the work programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41044/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, I launched the Drogheda Implementation Plan on 21st July.

The Plan is the result of extensive engagement between my Department and the various stakeholders identified in Vivian Geiran's report. The report made almost 80 recommendations across a range of sectors, including justice, health, education and youth services. The Implementation Plan provides detailed actions on these recommendations, including proposed timelines.

The plan is available on gov.ie at the following web address:

www.gov.ie/en/publication/c179b-drogheda-report-implementation-plan/

Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1410. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the timeline in relation to the criminal justice review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41045/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I understand the Deputy's question to refer to the independent review of the Offences against the State Acts.

As the Deputy will be aware, in February last Minister McEntee established a Review Group under the chair of Mr Justice Michael Peart, former Judge of the Court of Appeal.

The group comprises a number of experts in this field and is tasked with examining all aspects of the Offences Against the State Acts having regard to the current threat posed by domestic/international terrorism and organised crime, the duty to deliver a fair and effective criminal justice system to ensure the protection of communities and the security of the State and Ireland’s obligations in relation to Constitutional and ECHR rights and international law.

The Chair has indicated to me that there is a considerable body of work involved. Nevertheless I know the review group is conscious of the need to complete its work with as much expedition as is consistent with such a comprehensive task and I am grateful to all the members for their commitment. 

As the Deputy will be aware, the Houses recently renewed certain provisions of the Offences against the State legislation for a further 12 months. As I indicated in that debate by that time I expect to have the benefit of the group's final report.