Matt Carthy
Question:326. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will meet with a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9079/26]
View answerThursday, 5 February 2026
Questions (326)
Written answers
Tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) in all its forms remains an absolute priority for both myself and this Government. We are working to build a society in which everyone, particularly women and vulnerable people, feel safe and are safe in their homes and communities.
Last year, I appointed a Senior Counsel, Lorcan Staines, to undertake an assessment of the current operation of bail in Ireland, both legal and practical. Mr Staines’ report ‘An Assessment of the Efficacy of Bail Laws in Ireland’ was published by my Department in November 2025 and underlines the need for additional actions to be taken to ensure the criminal justice system effectively mitigates against risks that may be associated with certain individuals on bail.
In January, I published the Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026, which amends the Bail Act 1997 to add the offences under sections 38 and 39 of the Domestic Violence Act 2018 concerning forced marriage and coercive control to the Schedule to the Act, as recommended in the Staines Report, which would allow a court to refuse bail to persons charged with either of the above offences where the court considers it necessary to prevent the person from committing a serious offence.
While bail laws in Ireland are comprehensive, I am committed to ensuring they are fit for purpose while also ensuring that fundamental rights principles are adhered to and any further useful amendments that are identified will be introduced as appropriate.
The person referred to in the Deputy's query has been in contact with my Department directly and I am advised that a response to their recent correspondence will be issued to them shortly.