Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

565. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of rapes and sexual assaults that were recorded where the suspected offenders were on bail in each of the past three years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14008/25]

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

566. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of violent assaults that were recorded where the suspected offenders were on bail in each of the past three years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14009/25]

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

567. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of cases of murder, attempted murder and manslaughter that were recorded where the suspected offenders were on bail in each of the past three years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14010/25]

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

568. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of cases of failing to remain at the scene of an accident that were recorded where the suspected offenders were on bail in each of the past three years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14011/25]

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

569. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of cases of armed robberies that were recorded where the suspected offenders were on bail in each of the past three years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14012/25]

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

570. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of cases of offences under section 9 possession of knives and other articles of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990, that were recorded where the suspected offenders were on bail in each of the past three years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14014/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 565 to 570, inclusive, together.

It is, of course, totally unacceptable that offences are committed by people while on bail. That is a direct breach of their undertaking when granted bail by the court.

Our laws, particularly the Bail Act 1997 (as amended), provide for the refusal of bail in particular circumstances in line with the Constitution. The law sets out the circumstances where bail can be refused and also provides powers to An Garda Síochána to object to bail being granted.

The presiding judge is entirely independent in the exercise of their judicial functions, and the decision to grant or refuse bail in a particular case is solely a matter for the court. It must be noted that restriction on a person’s liberty prior to conviction is taken very seriously, given the Constitutional presumption that every person is deemed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Bail Act, as it stands, contains robust provisions on both dealing with and pre-empting breaches of bail.

Where an individual fails to comply with any bail conditions, the judge may issue a bench warrant, mandating An Garda Síochána to arrest and bring the person before the court. Furthermore, a Garda may immediately arrest a person without a warrant where the member has reasonable cause to suspect that that person has breached, or is about to breach, a bail condition and the Garda considers the arrest necessary to prevent harm to, interference with, or intimidation of a victim or witness.

I am committed to keeping our bail laws under review and any further useful amendments that are identified will be introduced as appropriate.

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy and I am advised that it has not been possible for An Garda Síochána to collate this information in the timeframe available.

I have requested that An Garda Síochána continue working to collate this information and I will write directly to the Deputy as soon as it is available.