Criminal Justice (Perjury and Related Offences) Bill 2018: [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil] Report and Final Stages
Seanad Éireann — 2021-06-15
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James Browne (FF), Wexford

I note the concerns expressed by Senators about the Title. The Title was changed for the purposes of consistency on the advice of the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. I note the Senators' remarks in that regard. I cannot say why perjury was not put on a statutory footing before now. All I can say is that the provision is now going to be enacted and brought into law.
I acknowledge the tremendous work done by the former Senator, Pádraig Ó Céidigh, and his team to bring this legislation forward as a Private Members' Bill in 2018. If there is a chance towards the end of this debate, I would like to give him greater acknowledgement.
A Senator asked me to outline who can bring a prosecution. Perjury is a criminal offence. Anybody can, in the normal course, make a complaint to An Garda Síochána. Of course it is always open to any judge who believes a false statement has been made in court to refer the matter.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2021-06-15/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:49:23+00:00
Sitting date: 2021-06-15