Controversial gangland Bill to be sent to President

July 14, 2009 by Infowars Ireland

CONTROVERSIAL PROPOSED legislation on gangland crime is likely to be sent this evening or tomorrow to President Mary McAleese who will have a week in which to decide whether to sign it into law or refer the Bill to the Supreme Court.

The Criminal Justice (Amendment) Bill is expected to pass all stages in the Seanad today, although the possibility that the debate could run into tomorrow has not been ruled out.

The President has the authority, after consultation with the Council of State, to refer the Bill to the Supreme Court to test its constitutionality.

The court is allowed up to 60 days to consider the matter.

In the event that the court deems the Bill to be in accordance with Bunreacht na hÉireann, the legislation cannot be challenged further on constitutional grounds.

Although the President is required to consult the Council of State before referring a Bill to the court, the decision on referral is a matter for her sole discretion.

Criticising the speed with which the legislation was processed in the Dáil, Fine Gael justice spokesman Charles Flanagan TD said yesterday: “The debate was curtailed: only one-third of the Bill was discussed. That was a bad day’s work.

“Whatever about the merits or demerits of the Bill, the fact that there was no debate in the Dáil on amendments of some importance, means that the Dáil, acting as a mere rubber stamp for the Government, has done a disservice to the legislation. Read full article