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A COURT JUDGEMENT that prevented child murder victims from being named publicly will be reversed after a new bill was passed.
The Children (Amendment) Bill 2020 will be sent to President Michael D Higgins to be signed after passing through the Dáil and the Seanad, and is expected to come into force in early May.
Parents of child murder victims and media organisations had campaigned to change the law after the controversial ruling at the Court of Appeal last October.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee said: “I am conscious of the deep hurt felt by families around the restrictions on reporting the identities of deceased children who have been the victims of criminal acts.
“I appreciate the cooperation of members of both Houses in progressing the Children (Amendment) Bill 2020 which has now been approved by the Seanad and the Dáil, and will be forwarded to the President for signature.
“This legislation will remove the restrictions on reporting the identities of deceased children with respect to past and future cases, while retaining the protection for living children.”
The new legislation will remove the restrictions on reporting the identities of deceased children with respect to past and future cases, while retaining the protection for living children.
A landmark decision by the Court of Appeal in October last year ruled that provisions within the 2001 Children Act that prevent the identification of a child when someone is charged with an offence against them do not exclude children who are deceased.
It also introduced restrictions on naming those charged with the offence, if it could identify the victim.
The ruling marked a significant departure from established media reporting practices in the state.
Parents of child victims who were prevented from naming their child publicly had appealed to the Justice Minister to intervene.
The bill, proposed by independent Senator Michael McDowell, was brought to Cabinet by Minister McEntee in February.
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I particularly liked the bit where the senile, multi millionaire communist claimed he would completely disregard the US constitution and interfere with the judiciary in an unprecedented manner. #berniebro
@winston smith: Sounds more like Trump than Bernie.
Biden, Sanders, Warren, Harris and Buttigieg…the point of the rest is what exactly?
@G Manning: the same as every one else there – to hoor themselves by proposing particular bills in exchange for large sums of money.
@Cormac Ó Braonáin: u think that applies to Sanders and Warren?
@G Manning: very possibly Warren. Sanders though would be the exception to the American system…and that’s why he’ll never get in.
@Cormac Ó Braonáin: Tulsi Gabbard got her cards marked by telling the truth about 911. The Saudis were behind it, not Iraq, Iran, Syria etc. The puppets pulling the strings can’t allow her airtime so she is sidelined and her profile cannot be raised. Free press my backside.
@Cal Mooney: can you possibly think of any other reason why she’s not doing so hot???
@Cal Mooney: She’s not recieving as much coverage as Warren or Biden which is sad. She would be great for a new US foreign policy especially in the middle east. But with the various lobby groups throwing their weight around for foreign intrests, Gabbard has little hope unfortunately
@The decline of Manchester United: think the homophobia may have something to do with that?
@G Manning: Your the problem with the left today. She’s the only proper anti war candidate, you know trying to stop hundreds of thousands of third world families being murdered in their homes. All you care about is a possible perceived homophobia allegation.
She was a naive 21 year old when she made those comments, which she’s since disavowed. Admitting she was wrong should stand to her, but somehow doesn’t.
There making life a lot easier for the GOP
@Daithi Ó Raghallaigh: Why?
By speaking in coherent sentences?
@Bob Earner:
Were there any stations showing the debate in English? Lol
Why are they all hounding Biden about his age 76 when Sanders is 77 ? A bit strange
@Declan Moran: Biden is the main threat
Go home Joe
Your top line is wrong there’s 20 running not 10, however the debate had only 10 people on it
@Ian T Boyle: they had the token debate on the night before with the other 10. Harris is an outsider but gaining a lot of traction here in the States. Ultimately it will boil down to who will have the best rhetoric to beat Trump not the best candidate for the job
Biden is a clown. It’s his 3rd time running for president. Get the picture Joe
What a pack of dullards- Trump has nothing to fear in 2020.
Biden is a sucker for punishment . At 76 years of age when he should be enjoying his golden years. If he was ever going to be potus he would have done it by now.
@Bill ORourke: I agree. Biden has had a life with great tragedy, he should relax in his retirement.
FFS. Where’s Tulsi Gabbard? America still not ready for an honest competent president?
Any comments on his creepy demeanor towards women and children
have your say