Flanagan insists ‘Celine’s Law’ will be progressed
JUSTICE Minister Charlie Flanagan insists he is “anxious” for progress on introducing a law to block killers or their estates benefiting from their crime.
His remarks came as the Government came under pressure from Fianna Fáil to accelerate the bill known as ‘Celine’s Law’ and another law aimed at bringing in tougher parole rules.
The private members bill – dubbed ‘Celine’s Law’ after production company owner Celine Cawley, who was killed by her husband Eamonn Lillis – was tabled by Fianna Fáil justice spokesman Jim O’Callaghan two years ago.
The Government has not opposed Mr O’Callaghan’s bill but it has languished in the legislative process.
Speaking in the Dáil, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said the Civil Liability (Amendment) (Prevention of Benefits from Homicide) Bill 2017 needs to be prioritised.
Mr Flanagan replied to Mr Martin saying he accepted the importance of his points and agreed with him.
He said: “Government is on record as accepting the principle of both pieces of legislation.
“Now that the Brexit legislation has been settled, hopefully passed over the next few days, I have a number of amendments on both of these pieces of legislation that I would be keen to sign off on.”
He said: “I’m very anxious to advance both pieces of legislation.”
The Oireachtas Justice Committee is due to discuss their planned scrutiny of ‘Celine’s Law’ tomorrow morning.