Opposition slams lack of debate on new Criminal Justice Bill

Opposition parties have criticised the manner in which proposed legislation giving gardai sweeping new powers was introduced in the Dáil.

The Criminal Justice Bill introduced by Justice Minister Michael McDowell yesterday provides for increased detention periods, gives gardaí the right to take bodily samples without permission and allows chief superintendents to sign search warrants in exceptional circumstances.

It also allows witness statements to be used in court even if the person who gave the statement has retracted it or has refused to testify.

Speaking about the legislation this morning, Labour Party TD Joe Costello said it was draconian and potentially dangerous, but Mr McDowell was failing to allow a proper debate on the issue.

"In the Bill itself, there are some very dangerous measures, but also, the minister, as is his wont, appends numerous amendments along the way, amendments that we have not seen sight of until he comes into the Dáil," Mr Costello said.

"I think that's always a bad practice because there isn't the opportunity to debate them properly."

Fine Gael TD Jim O'Keeffe, meanwhile, accused Mr McDowell of treating the Dáil with contempt.

"He's treating the Dáil as if it were a press conference where he's making one of his many further pronouncements," he said.

"The Dáil is there to pass legislation and the legislation should be set down in writing and then passed by parliament."