Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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244. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality for an update on her work in relation to spent convictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28966/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Government commits in the Programme for Government to reviewing the Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions and Certain Disclosures) Act 2016 and to broaden the range of convictions that are considered spent. As part of this review process, a public consultation on spent convictions was launched by my Department in October 2020.

Bespoke research on the approach to spent convictions internationally was also commissioned. Based on the outcome of that consultation and other submissions received, as well as the international research, my Department has compiled a report aimed at identifying and assessing the possible implications of amending the 2016 Act, so that the fairest possible outcomes can be achieved for the public. This matter and the report remain under consideration at this time.

Furthermore, Justice Plan 2023 contains an objective to support the work of the Oireachtas in order to progress the Criminal Justice (Rehabilitative Periods) Bill 2018. My officials have engaged constructively with Senator Ruane in relation to this Bill. As the Deputy is aware, this Bill proposes to amend and considerably extend the 2016 Act.