First StageStage in the legislative process — click for what it meansLapsedThe bill’s status — click for what it means26th SeanadThe House currently handling the bill12/2021Official bill number / year
Criminal Procedure and Related Matters Bill 2021
- Sponsor
- Barry Ward · Fine Gael
- Introduced
- 8 Feb 2021
- Last updated
- 30 Jan 2025
What this bill doesAI · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
- Allows Minister to change how Garda interviews are recorded by regulation, moving from handwritten notes to modern video/audio equipment in interview rooms.
- Establishes in law that prosecution (DPP and Gardaí) cannot be awarded costs, settling a court ruling that only primary legislation can impose this rule.
- Removes mandatory minimum sentences that courts cannot escape for repeat firearms and drug offences, restoring judicial discretion ruled unconstitutional by Supreme Court.
Stage timelineWhat do these stages mean?
- First Stage26th Seanad8 Feb 2021
Debates
Related bills
- Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill 2025Fifth Stage
- Criminal Law, Civil Law and Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026Cream List
- Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2025Report Stage
- Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill 2026Second Stage
- Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) (Amendment) Bill 2025Cream List
- Garda Síochána (Powers) Bill 2026Fifth Stage