Increased Custody Powers

The Gardai can currently only hold suspects for up to 12 hours on suspicion of crime up to and including murder. Under new powers included in the Criminal Justice Act 2006, Gardai will be given the power to hold suspects for up to 24 hours.

Law to be Tightened on UK Sex Offenders

There's been lots of concern in the media recently, that Ireland is a safe haven for convicted sex offenders from the UK. Michael McDowell has signed a memo of understanding with the UK, which will help enforce the law in this area. Although Gardai do currently share information on sex offenders with their UK counterparts, this is on an informal basis only. The new memo ensures that information will officially be shared between the Gardai and police from both Northern Ireland and the UK.

A new law currently being proposed will allow the Gardai to arrest a sex offender from Britain or across the border if they fail to sign the sex offender's register here. The penalty for not signing the register will be increased to five years imprisonment. If introduced, this law will allow the Gardai to automatically arrest a person for this offence. At present Gardai must get a summons before proceeding with these matters.