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16/04/2015
FF Publish Bill Calling For Tougher Burglary Sentences
Convicted burglars should face a mandatory three-year prison term, with repeat offenders facing a minimum of seven years, Fianna Fáil have proposed in a new Bill published today.
The party's spokesperson on Justice, Niall Collins, has publish the Burglary Bill 2015, introducing tougher sentences for burglary offences in a bid to crack down on the surge in the crime in both urban and rural areas.
According to Deputy Collins, criminals convicted of burglary are regularly walking free after receiving suspended sentences. The Fianna Fáil spokesperson has expressed concern that the belated attempts by Government to address the issue at Cabinet today may not be tough enough.
"At the moment criminals convicted of burglary are going before the courts and being put right back on the streets with suspended sentences. The penalties aren't nearly tough enough to deter criminals and discourage repeat offences.
"It is unacceptable that we are allowing these criminals to walk free at a time when many older people living alone have said they are afraid in their own homes," Deputy Collins said.
"Under our proposals, there would be a minimum of three years in jail for anyone convicted of burglary and a minimum of seven years jail time for those convicted of a third burglary offence. Anyone who is convicted of using a vehicle during a burglary will be disqualified from driving for two years.
"I welcome the fact that the Minister for Justice finally appears to be waking up to the wave of burglaries in communities across the country over the past number of years. However from the reports so far, I am concerned that these changes will not go far enough to act as a significant deterrent to burglars.
(MH/JP)
The party's spokesperson on Justice, Niall Collins, has publish the Burglary Bill 2015, introducing tougher sentences for burglary offences in a bid to crack down on the surge in the crime in both urban and rural areas.
According to Deputy Collins, criminals convicted of burglary are regularly walking free after receiving suspended sentences. The Fianna Fáil spokesperson has expressed concern that the belated attempts by Government to address the issue at Cabinet today may not be tough enough.
"At the moment criminals convicted of burglary are going before the courts and being put right back on the streets with suspended sentences. The penalties aren't nearly tough enough to deter criminals and discourage repeat offences.
"It is unacceptable that we are allowing these criminals to walk free at a time when many older people living alone have said they are afraid in their own homes," Deputy Collins said.
"Under our proposals, there would be a minimum of three years in jail for anyone convicted of burglary and a minimum of seven years jail time for those convicted of a third burglary offence. Anyone who is convicted of using a vehicle during a burglary will be disqualified from driving for two years.
"I welcome the fact that the Minister for Justice finally appears to be waking up to the wave of burglaries in communities across the country over the past number of years. However from the reports so far, I am concerned that these changes will not go far enough to act as a significant deterrent to burglars.
(MH/JP)
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23 April 2015
Two Prison Officers Injured In Attack
Two prison officers have been injured in an unprovoked attack by an inmate at Mountjoy Prison, the Irish Prison Service has confirmed. The attack took place at approximately 8:30am on Thursday morning. The inmate, currently serving a four-year term for aggravated burglary, used an improvised weapon in the attack.
Two Prison Officers Injured In Attack
Two prison officers have been injured in an unprovoked attack by an inmate at Mountjoy Prison, the Irish Prison Service has confirmed. The attack took place at approximately 8:30am on Thursday morning. The inmate, currently serving a four-year term for aggravated burglary, used an improvised weapon in the attack.
30 January 2015
Garda Raids Launch Across Dublin
Gardaí investigating a series of burglaries across Dublin have arrested a man and woman this morning. The arrests were made during a series of searches launched on Friday morning at 7am.
Garda Raids Launch Across Dublin
Gardaí investigating a series of burglaries across Dublin have arrested a man and woman this morning. The arrests were made during a series of searches launched on Friday morning at 7am.
18 January 2016
New Criminal Justice Bill Comes Into Force
Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald, has announced the commencement of the Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Act 2015, which includes new laws to tackle repeat burglars.
New Criminal Justice Bill Comes Into Force
Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald, has announced the commencement of the Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Act 2015, which includes new laws to tackle repeat burglars.
03 February 2020
FF Call For Minimum Sentences For Convictions For Assaulting Hospital Staff
Fianna Fáil have called for minimum sentences for anyone convicted of assaulting hospital staff and frontline emergency workers. Spokesperson on Health, Stephen Donnelly, made the call as the HSE confirmed that there were at least 1,000 assaults on hospital staff last year – a figure that the INMO says is just the tip of the iceberg.
FF Call For Minimum Sentences For Convictions For Assaulting Hospital Staff
Fianna Fáil have called for minimum sentences for anyone convicted of assaulting hospital staff and frontline emergency workers. Spokesperson on Health, Stephen Donnelly, made the call as the HSE confirmed that there were at least 1,000 assaults on hospital staff last year – a figure that the INMO says is just the tip of the iceberg.
27 October 2015
Govt 'Finally Wakes Up' To Crime Wave - FF
The government has "finally woken up" to a wave of burglaries across the country "just months" before the next general election, Fianna Fáil candidate James Lawless has said. Cllr Lawless made the comments as the Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Bill 2015 makes its way through the Dáil.
Govt 'Finally Wakes Up' To Crime Wave - FF
The government has "finally woken up" to a wave of burglaries across the country "just months" before the next general election, Fianna Fáil candidate James Lawless has said. Cllr Lawless made the comments as the Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Bill 2015 makes its way through the Dáil.
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