235,000 OFFENCES BY BAILED SUSPECTS
Justice Minister says law is being kept under review
A STAGGERING 234,755 crimes reported in Ireland were committed by people out on bail during the past seven years.
The figures were released by Justice Minister Helen Mcentee in response to a Dail query from Fine Gael’s Bernard Durkan.
At least one suspect involved in each of the incidents were flagged by investigating Gardai as having committed the offence while awaiting trial.
The categories of crimes they were linked to were theft (22%), public order offences (20%), court-related bail offences (20%), drugs (9%), traffic (9%), burglary (5%), and criminal damage (4%).
Minister Mcentee said not all of the incidents they were suspected of being involved in resulted in a prosecution or conviction.
Of the 257,632 incidents recorded to December 10, up to 32,791 involved suspects who were out on bail.
The Justice Minister said Ireland’s laws provide for the refusal of bail in certain circumstances.
She added: “Judges are independent in the exercise of their judicial functions and the decision to grant bail in a particular case is solely a matter for the judge concerned based on the available facts.”
She said judges also have the power to refuse bail to people charged with a serious offence to prevent the risk of another serious offence being committed. The Minister added: “In considering whether to refuse bail under the 1997 Act, the court is required to have regard to persistent serious offending by an applicant and in specific circumstances, the nature and likelihood of any danger to a person or to the community in granting bail.
“The 2017 Act further provides for stricter bail terms for repeat serious offenders including the use of curfews and strengthens Garda powers to deal with breaches of bail.
“While I am advised by An Garda Siochana the state’s amended bail laws have proven to be effective, all legislative provisions are kept under review.
“Consideration will be given to provisions governing bail where there has been a suspected breach of a barring order and where there is a history of violence.”