Passing of spent convictions bill hailed as ‘historic step’

The passage of the Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions and Certain Disclosures) Bill 2012 through the Oireachtas has been hailed as a “historic step” for Ireland.

When signed into law and commenced, certain minor convictions more than 7 years old will become “spent” and no longer have to be declared.

Deirdre Malone, chief executive of the Irish Penal Reform Trust, said: “Thousands of people in Ireland with old convictions have demonstrated that they want to move on to live crime-free lives – go to work, volunteer, contribute to their communities.

“This legislation will realize that goal for many people, but it is disappointing that it did not go further. We will be asking the next Government to review the operation of the legislation in the future in order to ensure that it fully supports the rehabilitation and reintegration of those with previous convictions.”

The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) said it would remove disproportionate barriers to employment, education, training, housing and insurance for tens of thousands of people in Ireland who have moved on from past offending behaviour.

However, it said the law will not benefit people who have committed more than one offence - other than minor motoring/public order offences - in the past, no matter how long ago the offences were committed.

Because of this, the IPRT backs a review of the operation of the legislation in future with a view to widening its reach.