10/07/2009

Justice Bill Debate Extension Defeated

The Government has defeated an opposition attempt to extend debate on the controversial Criminal Justice Bill.

The hotly contested legislation is proposing sweeping changes and increased powers for Gardaí and the courts in dealing with gang crime that some feel has gone too far.

The bill is being rushed through the Dáil without the normal length of time for debate, amid accusations the Government is using the practice of "guillotining" to avoid rigorous discussion on the matter.

The opposition put forward a motion demanding more time be allotted to discuss the various measures it contains but the Government used its Dáil majority to secure a 76-61 vote in favour of the current timetable, which will see the debate end at 1.30pm.

Tánaiste Mary Coughlan told the House that there had already been ample discussion of the matter and the Government wanted the bill passed before the summer break.

The news comes shortly after over 100 lawyers demanded the immediate withdrawal of the controversial bill.

In a letter the Irish Times on Wednesday, the 133 defence and prosecution lawyers say they are "extremely concerned" about the latest plans from the Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern.

(DW/JM)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

21 March 2024
PSNI Welcomes CJINI Inspection Report
The PSNI has welcomed the publication of the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJINI) inspection report and said that it accepts all of the recommendations that relate to the Police Service.
17 December 2014
Water Services Bill Debate Continues In Dáil
A debate on the Water Services Bill is due to begin again today in the Dáil, with a cut off set for 21:30 tonight. There are sixteen sections in the Bill and it is claimed that to date, the government has spent 40 hours debating the Bill – more time than any other piece of legislation during the current term of office.
15 June 2016
Fianna Fáil Introduces New Parole Bill 2016
Fianna Fáil has introduced a new Parole Bill 2016, which aims to protect communities and "address a significant failing in our criminal justice system", Justice spokesperson Jim O'Callaghan has announced. "In bringing forward this Bill, Fianna Fáil is attempting to address a significant failing in our criminal justice system.
19 December 2014
Dáil May Sit For Further Debate On Water Services Bill
The Dáil may have to meet again next week to debate new amendments to the Water Services Bill, pending the outcome of a Seanad debate, which resumes this morning. It is understood that the Bill passed its first Seanad debate on Thursday with 31 cotes to 26.
11 July 2013
Dáil Abortion Bill Debate Enters Second Day
The Dáil debate over the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill 2013, ran well beyond its expected finish time, and may now not be completed before Thursday night at the earliest. The vote was expected to have been completed by midnight on Wednesday, but with some 165 amendments put forward that timeframe came and went.