Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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384. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the timeframe for the implementation of proposals contained in the report entitled an Assessment of the Efficacy of Bail Laws in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68951/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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While bail laws in Ireland are comprehensive, I am committed to ensuring they are fit for purpose while ensuring fundamental rights principles are adhered to. Last May, I announced that I intended to appoint a Senior Counsel to undertake an assessment of the current operation of bail in Ireland, both legal and practical.

The commissioning of the report arose from concerns regarding bail processes and their applicability to recidivist offenders. These concerns were acknowledged in my apology to the family of the late Shane O’Farrell, who was tragically killed in August 2011, when struck by a car driven by a person who was on bail for a series of offences at the time.

Mr Lorcan Staines SC was subsequently appointed to undertake the review and was asked to include appropriate recommendations, considering the requirements of constitutional justice and the impossibility of refusing bail to every person accused of an offence, particularly a summary offence. His report ‘An Assessment of the Efficacy of Bail Laws in Ireland’ has been completed and was published by my Department last week. I would like to express my thanks to Lorcan Staines for his work in compiling this comprehensive report.

His recommendations include investment in improved information sharing systems for both An Garda Síochána and the Courts Service; the implementation of an adult bail supervision scheme to ensure the proper management of recidivist offenders; changes to bail legislation to significantly expand the conditions which may be attached to the granting of bail; and further legislative amendments to improve the legal framework surrounding bail, including consideration for the legal supports for the expected operational implementation of electronic monitoring in 2026. The electronic monitoring project is progressing and a request for tender for a pilot phase is expected to be issued later this week, and to be operational in Quarter 1 of 2026.

The report provides a detailed analysis that will greatly assist in considering how our criminal justice system might better respond to recidivist offenders who persistently break summary laws. Some of the recommendations relate to actions that are already in progress or under consideration within my Department and any further useful amendments that are identified will be introduced as appropriate.