Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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534. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality whether her Department has considered extending the Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions and Certain Disclosures) Act 2016 to minor crimes such as shoplifting which were committed outside the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34964/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government commits 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 report remain under consideration at this time, as due consideration is also being given to the Justice Plan 2023 objective to support the work of the Oireachtas in order to progress the Criminal Justice (Rehabilitative Periods) Bill 2018. This Private Member’s Bill proposes to amend and considerably extend the above mentioned 2016 Act.