No timescale for ban on gardaí interviews before suspect consults solicitor

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan has declined to outline a timescale for the commencement of laws preventing gardaí from questioning a suspect until they have been able to consult with a solicitor.

Section 9 of the Criminal Justice Act 2011 provides that, except in certain circumstances, a detained person will not be questioned “until such time as the person has had an opportunity to consult with a solicitor”.

Answering a written parliamentary question, Mr Flanagan said this week: “The commencement of the provisions in section 9 of the Criminal Justice Act 2011 awaits the finalisation of regulations required to facilitate their implementation.

“These regulations are currently being progressed in conjunction with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel in the Attorney General’s Office.”