Minister ignoring Law Reform Commission

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell is to establish groups to review the law on prenuptial agreements, and on the right to silence which underpins criminal trials.

This follows the establishment of a similar group in April to examine the possible legal recognition of same-sex partnerships.

The establishment of these groups is questionable in light of the fact that there is already a body established by statute to examine such issues — the Law Reform Commission. The function of this commission is to “conduct research with a view to reforming the law and formulate proposals for law reform”.