A new Bill that was approved by the Government includes a new system of court orders to stop stalking behaviour and protect victims. Courts will be allowed to issue civil restraining orders against stalkers according to the Criminal Justice Bill. The orders are easier to obtain for victims and won’t result in criminal charges. The … Read more
The government has agreed to a joint proposal from the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney, for Ireland to avail of the option to temporarily suspend the operation of the Council of Europe Agreement on the Abolition of Visas for Refugees (Council of Europe) for a period of … Read more
Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD welcomed the publication of the new Zero Tolerance strategy to tackle domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, led by Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD. Minister Donnelly stated, “This is an important and very welcome new strategy, which is a positive step in cementing within our health system the knowledge, … Read more
The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee celebrates the second formal participation of the civil and public service in the Dublin Pride parade. Over 1,500 public servants will collectively participate under the theme ‘Proud to Work for Ireland’, more than doubling the 600 public servants who took part in the 2019 Pride parade. The public sector … Read more
Justice Minister Helen McEntee is creating the post of Chief Inspector of Places of Detention, under the General Scheme of the Inspection of Places of Detention Bill. The bill allows for the designation of ‘National Preventive Mechanisms’ (NPMs) to act as inspection bodies of all places of detention. The establishment or designation of NPM is … Read more
Citizenship ceremonies welcoming 950 people as Irish citizens took place in person for the first time since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Minister for Justice Helen McEntee hosted 2 very special citizenship ceremonies in Killarney, Kerry on Monday 20th June 2022, to welcome 950 people as they become Irish citizens. The event was … Read more
The Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has received approval to draft legislative amendments to put in place bespoke supports for jury selection and summoning in the Stardust inquests. It is intended that the legislation will be passed before the summer recess and enacted quickly, enabling the Coroner to commence the inquests in line with her … Read more
The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee has updated Government this week on her plans to shortly commence a review of the Civil Legal Aid Scheme, as committed to in her Justice Plan 2022. The Civil Legal Aid and Advice Scheme were first introduced by Government in 1979. The independent Legal Aid Board operates a total … Read more
Department of Justice announced new guidelines for the renewal of immigration permits. Dublin based residents can now apply for a renewal of their Irish Residence Permit (IRP) 12 weeks or 3 months before the expiration date. Earlier, it could have been given only four weeks or a month ago. Since July 2020, Dublin based residents … Read more
The Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has published a plan setting out how the recommendations of a report on civil-law reform will be implemented. The report of the Review of the Administration of Civil Justice, headed by former High Court President Peter Kelly (pictured), was published in December 2020 and included more than 90 recommendations. The … Read more
During the pandemic, Minister McEntee has generously extended immigration permissions nine times to allow people who held valid permission to be in the State in March 2020 to be legally permitted to remain here until 31 May 2022. These extensions were made in the context of uncertain health and international travel situation to provide assistance … Read more
The government has approved extending the provisions of the Offences Against the State and Criminal Justice Acts for another twelve months. The move is in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government to annually renew the provisions of both Acts. Following the Cabinet meeting, Minister McEntee said, “The renewal of these laws is … Read more
The Minister for Justice Helen McEntee attended the official opening of the new Garda station at Dublin Airport. The station has 48 Garda members and also provides a new base for the Garda Armed Support Unit to ensure a high visibility presence at Dublin Airport. The Minister welcomed the new station saying, “I am delighted … Read more
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has announced Government backing for a centralised European depository for evidence collected of international war crimes in Ukraine. Minister McEntee will now bring motions before both the Dáil and Seanad this week seeking Oireachtas backing for the move, which will allow Ireland opt-in to the EU wide initiative. The proposal … Read more
Minister for Justice, Mrs Helen McEntee TD, has officially opened the new “Horses of Hope” Equine Centre at Castlerea Prison. The new equine centre has been developed on grounds adjacent to Castlerea Prison and has introduced a new innovative prisoner programme, where prisoners can learn practical skills that will assist in securing employment in the equine industry, … Read more