Extensive reform of law on bail planned by Minister for Justice

An extensive reform of the law on bail is planned by Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald, who is working on proposals to protect the public from offences committed by people out on bail.

The preparation of the general scheme of a bail Bill to modernise the law in the area is at “a very advanced stage”, according to a spokeswoman for the Minister.

Ms Fitzgerald intends to bring her proposals to Government in May. The move follows her publication of the General Scheme of the Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Bill yesterday, following its approval by Cabinet.

“The new Bill will seek to improve the operation of the bail system and make the law as effective as possible in protecting the public against the commission of offences by persons on bail,” the Minister’s spokeswoman said.

“The new provisions will provide better guidance to the courts on how such protection might be provided.”

The planned bail Bill aims to “consolidate and update” the law on bail, Ms Fitzgerald’s spokeswoman said.

“The Minister also wishes to seek, as far as is possible, within the constraints of the Constitution and the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights, to focus the bail legislation on the protection of the individual and of the public.”

Meanwhile, repeat burglars will face longer jail terms as well as tougher bail restrictions under the Burglary of Dwellings Bill, due to be introduced in the Dáil this term.

Ms Fitzgerald said a significant proportion of burglaries are carried out by repeat offenders.

“Burglary of a person’s home is very traumatic for the victim, is a serious offence, and always has the danger to escalate into an offence against the person,” Ms Fitzgerald said.

The Minister described the Bill as “proportionate” because it was targeted at offenders with previous convictions who are charged with multiple offences of residential burglary.