Spent ConvictionsSpent Convictions
There is currently no legislation in Ireland providing for the expungement of criminal convictions. Ireland is the only country in the EU and one of the only countries in the Council of Europe area to not have such ‘second chance’ legislation.
Securing employment or training, and the ability to rebuild a life after committing an offence, is crucial to breaking the cycle of offending. Enacting effective spent convictions legislation could remove many existing barriers to the successful reintegration of former offenders and prisoners.
For updates on the progress of Spent Convictions legislation, which was first introduced into the Dáil in 2007, see below.
IPRT is campaigning hard to make sure that robust and extensive Spent Convictions legislation is enacted at the earliest opportunity.
If you think you can help us in our Spent Convictions campaign, please contact Fiona at: communications@iprt.ie
Sunday Independent: 'Bill will allow jobseekers to airbrush criminal records' 23rd October 2011
Writing in the 'Sunday Independent', Daniel McConnell reports on the forthcoming Spent Convictions Bill, which is "at an advanced stage of drafting, with only finer details left to be finalised." Read more
Garda Vetting and CAO applications 7th September 2011
Over 225 college courses offered through the CAO require Garda Vetting; in the absence of Spent Convictions legislation, this can present a potential barrier to those who may have committed a minor offence, no matter how long ago. Read more
Spent Convictions Bill 2011: Second Stage (Private Member's Bill) 7th June 2011
On 11th May 2011, Dara Calleary TD introduced a Private Member's Bill. The Spent Convictions Bill was previously published by Barry Andrews as a Private Members Bill in 2007. The Bill as reintroduced was debated at Second Stage on 7th/8th June, 2011. Read more
Emergency Services Ireland: 'Redemption Withheld for Irish Prisoners' 20th May 2011 
'Emergency Services Ireland' reports on IPRT's recent Public Forum on Spent Convictions Read more
MEDIA ADVISORY: Fair and effective Spent Convictions legislation is crucial to allow Individuals a “second chance” to get on with their lives 11th May 2011
Press Release on 'Breaking the Record' our public forum on Spent Convictions legislation, which was held in Pearse St. Library yesterday. Read more
What's the risk?Employing Young Adults with Criminal Convictions 11th May 2011
A new study published today has acknowledged businesses in the UK which are actively trying to improve opportunities for offenders to get back into employment. Read more
IPRT Briefing: Spent Convictions 10th May 2011
A short document outlining the current situation with regard to spent convictions and why enacting legislation is so important. Read more
PUBLIC FORUM: Breaking the Record - Spent Convictions & Discrimination 10th May 2011
IPRT hosted Bobby Cummines OBE, Chief Executive of UNLOCK, the National Association of Reformed Offenders (UK) on Tuesday 10th May, 2011 for a series of events focusing on obstacles experienced by those with a criminal record who wish to move on from their offending past. Read more
Oireachtas Seminar on Spent Convictions 10th May 2011
The sixth seminar for the All Party Oireachtas Penal Reform Group of TDs and Senators, and the first of the new Dáil session, focused on Spent Convictions legislation. Read more
thejournal.ie: New legislation could allow offenders withhold criminal record from employers 1st May 2011
An article from thejournal.ie on the upcoming Spent Convictions Bill to be published this summer. Read more
The Sunday Times: Bill could let offenders keep past crimes from employers 1st May 2011
In today's printed version of The Sunday Times(Irish edition), Mark Tighe reports on the Spent Convictions Bill which is sue to be published this summer. Read more
Dáil Questions: proposed Spent Convictions legislation 7th April 2011
Deputy Clare Daly asks the Minister for Justice and Equality Alan Shatter about his plans to introduce a Spent Convictions Bill as priority legislation. Read more
Spent Convictions Bill back on the legislative agenda! 6th April 2011
IPRT welcomes the inclusion of the Spent Convictions Bill among the list of twenty urgent Bills to be published by the Government by the end of the Summer Session (July 21st.) Read more
Lifelong punishment? Even a minor conviction can affect your insurance policy 16th March 2011
A criminal conviction, no matter how minor, can make it harder to get accepted for some types of insurance, or you may be charged higher rates when you declare your conviction. Read more
UK: UNLOCK submission to Breaking the Cycle 4th March 2011
UNLOCK, the National Association of Reformed Offenders (UK), has just published its response to the Green Paper on 'Breaking the Cycle'. A number of UNLOCK's recommendations are of interest as Ireland moves towards passing similar legislation. Read more