Law criminalising serious offences committed by Irish people abroad now in effect
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Charlie Flanagan
A new law allowing for individuals who commit serious offences abroad to be prosecuted under Irish law has come into force from today.
The Criminal Law (Extraterritorial Jurisdiction) Act 2019 was signed into law in March, allowing the State to ratify the Istanbul Convention on International Women’s Day.
It was described as a “short but very technical bill” at the time.
Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said: “The commencement of this Act signifies that Ireland is committed to our international obligations and that we are steadfast in our efforts to combat violence against women and all forms of domestic violence.
“These new provisions can now be used to tackle violent crimes committed by Irish citizens and residents abroad.”
Under the new Act, individuals who commit particular offences abroad, including offences under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 and the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act 1990, as well as murder and manslaughter, are liable for prosecution in Ireland.
Mr Flanagan said: “This Act, in conjunction with other pieces of legislation such as the recently enacted Domestic Violence Act 2018, the Criminal Justice (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 and the Victims of Crime Act 2017, enable Ireland to effectively tackle these serious crimes at home and abroad.”
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