23 November 2005

Justice

Criminal Justice Bill and the Ferns Report

Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amendments he intends to introduce to the Criminal Justice Bill to reflect one of the key recommendations in the Ferns Report which would provide for a law on reckless endangerment as is in existence in the State of Massachusetts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. 

Minister For Justice, Equality and Law Reform: The Government has accepted in principle the recommendations in the Ferns Report and has given a commitment to their implementation by all relevant Departments and agencies. 

A specific suggestion in the Ferns Report is that consideration should be given to the introduction of a new criminal offence which would apply to situations where any person 'wantonly or recklessly engages in conduct that creates a substantial risk of bodily injury or sexual abuse to a child or wantonly or recklessly fails to take reasonable steps to alleviate such risk where there is a duty to act'.  I am at present giving priority to the preparation of appropriate provisions giving effect to that suggestion which I will introduce at Report Stage of the Criminal Justice Bill currently before the House.