Tipperary TD Jackie Cahill calls for review of bail laws

Hundreds of crimes in Tipperary are being committed by persons out on bail every year, according to Fianna Fail TD Jackie Cahill.

“They don’t fear being caught as they know they won’t be put into prison,” he said in a call for a review of bail laws to ensure that those who commit a further crime while out on bail are put into prison.

Deputy Cahill was commenting after speaking during a special Fianna Fáil-led debate into the death of Shane O’Farrell, the young Monaghan man who was killed by a drunk driver who was out on bail and had committed other crimes while out on bail.

“The case of Shane O’Farrell is a very sad example of what can happen when the criminal justice system lets people down. If the system had been better and more efficient, the man who knocked down Shane would not have been even on the road.

All too often those out on bail continue to commit crimes. If that happens, they need to be remanded, and not let back out to recommit.

He said that 27,747 crimes were committed in 2017 by people out on bail, including 6,663 thefts and related offences.

“Hundreds of crimes in Tipperary are, therefore, being committed by persons out on bail ever year,” he said.

Deputy Cahill said there was a need for stricter enforcement of bail laws, and if necessary, they should be reviewed to ensure that criminals know that if they commit further crimes they will be dealt with harshly.