McEntee's new bill to tackle gangland crime

Justice Minister, Helen McEntee is making her mark early in her new role as she brings forward new legislation to tackle gangland crime.

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.

The bill will give judges 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.

“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.”