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, 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
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
Election 2011: Are you committed to the Spent Convictions Bill? 15th February 2011
IPRT is putting four key questions to candidates in the run up to Election 2011. One critical question aims to secure a commitment from politicians to place priority on passing the Spent Convictions Bill in 2011. Read more
The Sunday Business Post: Off the Record 21st November 2010
An article about John, an ex-offender who has turned his life around thanks to the Linkage programme, run by Business in the Community. Read more
UK Campaign: Change the Record 21st October 2010
'Change the Record' is a new campaign to help ex-offenders back to work by tackling discriminatory practice and laws that prevent them finding a job. The campaign focuses on amending the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Read more
UK: Tagged for Life - A research report into employer attitudes towards ex-offenders 9th October 2010
Leading specialist welfare to work provider Working Links has launched its research report, looking at employer attitudes towards ex-offenders. Read more
Oireachtas Seminar on Reintegration of Offenders 2nd June 2010
A summary of IPRT's Oireachtas Seminar dealing with Spent Convictions, and other critical supports of the reintegration of offenders. Read more
Spent Convictions Scheme report launched 15th May 2009
The report of the Spent Convictions Group was launched on Thursday, 14th May, at the Law Society, Blackhall Place, by Mr. John Lonergan, Governor of Mountjoy Prison. Read more
IHRC: Observations on the Spent Convictions Bill 2007 30th April 2009
The IHRC considers that the Spent Convictions Bill 2007 is in line with Ireland’s commitment to rehabilitate and re-integrate offenders back into society. However, in applying the relevant human rights law to the 2007 Bill, the IHRC has identified a number of areas of concern. Read more
Spent Convictions Bill to be Debated by Dail 17th December 2008
IPRT welcomes the introduction for second stage today in the Dáil of the Spent Convictions Bill 2007 Read more
IPRT Position Paper 2: Spent Convictions 20th November 2008 
A Position Paper setting out IPRT's position on the proposal of a Spent Convictions Bill. Read more
Law Reform Commission: Report on Spent Convictions 31st July 2007
Under current law, records of criminal convictions of adults are permanent; this Report examines whether some very old convictions might be looked on as being “spent” or no longer relevant for certain purposes. Read more
IHRC: Extending the Scope of Employment Legislation-Criminal Convictions 1st May 2005 
A contribution from the IHRC on the review of the Employment Equality Act. The document concerns discrimination in employment for those who are vulnerable in our society, with a section concerning those with criminal convictions. Read more