An Cathaoirleach Gníomhach (Senator Lynn Ruane): The purpose of today's meeting is to have an engagement with the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, on the report, "An Assessment of the Efficacy of Bail Laws in Ireland", drug-related intimidation and violence, the coercion of youth and children, and related matters. On behalf of the committee, I welcome the Minister and his officials to the meeting.

Deputy Jim O'Callaghan: I thank the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach and the committee for inviting me in today. As she said, I am here for three reasons really: to answer questions in respect of the report prepared by Mr. Lorcan Staines, senior counsel, on the efficacy of the bail laws in Ireland; to discuss drug-related intimidation and violence; and to discuss the coercion of youth and children; as well as related matters. I am joined by Ms Rachel Woods, assistant secretary in the Department.

The committee will be aware that back in May 2025, I apologised to the O'Farrell family for the failings in our criminal justice system which were exposed by the untimely death of their son Shane in August 2011. He was killed by a hit and run driver who was later identified as Zigimantas Gridziuska. The circumstances of his death raise persistent questions as to why persistent breaches of bail conditions by Mr. Zigimantas Gridziuska through the commission of further offences did not trigger a response under Ireland's criminal justice code, why consecutive sentences were not imposed in respect of the offences Mr. Gridziuska committed while on bail and why warrants that were issued were not executed. While bail laws in Ireland are comprehensive, I am committed to ensuring they are fit for purpose while ensuring fundamental rights principles are adhered to. This examination of our bail laws, and subsequent proposals, underlines the need for additional actions to be considered to ensure the criminal justice system effectively mitigates against risks that may be associated with individuals on bail.

It is totally unacceptable that offences are committed by people on bail. That is a direct breach of their promise made when bail is granted by the court . The report by Mr. Staines is a detailed analysis that will greatly assist in considering how our criminal justice system might better respond to recidivist offenders who persistently break summary laws. I thank him for the work he did and the speed with which he compiled his report and, more importantly, the recommendations. These include investment in improved information sharing systems for both An Garda Síochána and the Courts Service; the implementation of an adult bail supervision scheme to ensure the proper management of recidivist offenders; changes to bail legislation to significantly expand the conditions which may be attached to the granting of bail; and further legislative amendments to improve the legal framework surrounding bail...

[Click here to read the full debate on the Oireachtas website]

Full opening statement, Jim O’Callaghan T.D., Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration (PDF)

Video of session on 27 January 2025 can be found at this link, begins at about 18.17 minutes.