Press release
Minister Browne welcomes the passage of the Criminal Justice (Perjury and Related Offences) Bill 2018 through all stages in the Dáil and Seanad
Published on
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Published on
Last updated on
The Minister of State with responsibility for Law Reform, James Browne TD, today welcomed the passage of the Criminal Justice (Perjury and Related Offences) Bill 2018 through all stages in the Oireachtas. The Bill provides a clear, statutory definition of perjury and should enable the offence and related offences to be more easily prosecuted in the courts.
Commenting on the importance of the Bill, the Minister said:
"It is never acceptable to lie on oath or, for that matter in any legal proceedings. This Bill is a significant legislative milestone which will not only provide for considerable penalties against those who commit the offence of perjury and related offences, it will also have a substantial deterrent effect regarding the making of false claims or statements by those persons who may be minded to do so."
The Bill also provides clear penalties to be applied, depending on the nature of the offence that is being prosecuted. The penalties are in line with that of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 regarding false evidence and fraudulent claims.
The maximum penalty on summary conviction is a Class B fine or a term of imprisonment of twelve months, with a maximum penalty on indictment of a term of imprisonment up to ten years and/or a fine of €100,000.
Speaking about the significance of the new provisions the Minister said:
"This sends a clear message to would-be abusers of court time and process that making deliberately false statements in legal or other proceedings will not go unpunished and may result in very serious consequences for the individual concerned. I am confident that this Bill will go a long way in deterring those who might consider providing dishonest evidence in order to mislead proceedings."
The Bill also consolidates other relevant legislation in this area, and simplifies the references to perjury and related offences in older legislation.
The Minister recognises that insurance costs present a hugely significant issue for businesses, individuals, and community groups. The deterrent effect of this legislation is likely to be considerable and a very welcome development, particularly in relation to the cost of insurance.
This is one of a number of measures dealing with insurance issues, insurance fraud and exaggerated claims. Concentrating on insurance reform is one of the key priorities for this government and addressing this area is one of the core elements of the Programme for Government.
The Minister continued:
"The government is keenly aware that insurance costs present a hugely significant issue for businesses, motorists, households and a range of sporting, community and voluntary groups. The government will continue to prioritise reform of the insurance sector with particular emphasis on motor, public liability and employer liability insurance."
The Minister also paid tribute to the work of former Senator Pádraig Ó Céidigh in relation to the Bill:
"I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the considerable contribution of former Senator Pádraig Ó Céidigh to the development of this Bill. As principal sponsor of this Bill when it was introduced to the Seanad as a Private Members’ Bill at the end of 2018, he worked tirelessly and cooperatively with my predecessor Minister Flanagan and other stakeholders in steering the Bill through the Seanad with cross party and government support."
The Bill will now be sent to the President for signature.
The Perjury and Related Offences Bill 2018 aims to establish a statutory criminal offence for perjury. It provides for statutory perjury related offences including false statements on oath, false statutory declarations, false declarations, and proposes penalties of up to 12 months for conviction on a summary offence and up to 10 years for conviction on indictment.
It is expected to have a significant deterrent effect in relation to the cost of insurance.