Press release
Maximum sentence for conspiracy to murder to increase to life imprisonment under plans from Minister for Justice Helen McEntee
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Published on
Last updated on
Helen McEntee TD, the Minister for Justice and Equality, has today announced she has secured the approval of her Government colleagues to draft a Bill that will increase the maximum sentence for those convicted of the crime of conspiracy to murder.
Among a number of important provisions, the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2020 will update the law to provide judges with the option of imposing a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The maximum sentence for conspiracy to murder has been set at 10 years since 1861.
‘Conspiracy’ to murder is an incomplete attempt to commit a murder, and was introduced to Ireland as part of the Offences against the Person Act 1861. It is used when two or more people form a plan to murder another person but are stopped before they can carry it out.
Minister McEntee said An Garda Síochána is doing its job by arresting those intent on committing murder, and that her proposals are targeted at gangland criminals:
“As Minister for Justice, I will be tough on gangland crime at all levels. The first piece of criminal justice legislation I am bringing forward as Minister will increase the maximum sentence for conspiracy to murder from 10 years to life.
“The message must go out to the thugs who perpetrate gangland violence: We will take all necessary action to stop you, bring you to justice and prevent you from leading our young into a life of crime and violence.
“Gangland crime must not take hold in our communities, but we must also provide An Garda Síochána and our Courts with the tools they need to take firm and decisive action to deal with our most serious criminals.
“Criminals have been intercepted and prevented from murdering people thanks to the good work of An Garda Síochána. The fact that the Gardaí are doing their job effectively and arresting criminals who are determined to murder should not make conspiracy to murder a lesser offence. The seriousness of the crime must be reflected in the sentence our judges can impose."
Minister McEntee added:
“Unlike murder and attempted murder, which carry maximum sentences of life imprisonment, the punishment for conspiracy to murder is capped at 10 years. My proposals will bring clarity to the offence and will give judges much more leeway to impose severe sentences.
“But in addition to being tough when needed, we must also work with communities affected by criminal activity to identify what help they require. Last month, I appointed Vivian Geiran, the former Director of the Probation Service, to carry out a scoping exercise to assess how best the State can help people in Drogheda, and the government is committed to supporting communities and community safety right across the country."
Minister McEntee also announced that she has secured Government approval for the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2020.
The General Scheme of the Bill provides for the addition of three new terrorist offences to the definition of “terrorist-linked activity” as provided for in s. 4 of the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005.
The offences are:
The proposed amendment of the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005 provides for the incorporation of these offences into Irish law.
ENDS
The Miscellaneous Bill includes a number of provisions identified by the Department as requiring amendment. These include: