The Criminal Justice Act 2011 was
signed into law on 2 August 2011. The Minister for Justice and
Equality has made an Order commencing various provisions of the Act
with effect from 9 August 2011. Criminal Justice Act 2011
(Commencement) Order 2011 (SI 411/2011).
The main purpose of the legislation is to provide for more
effective investigation of white collar crime. It sets out new
procedures to facilitate Garda access to information and
documentation including that which is held electronically. The Act
provides that it is a criminal offence to fail to furnish to the
Gardaí information which could prevent the commission of
white collar crime or to assist the Gardaí in an
investigation into white collar crime. The Act includes provisions
to protect whistleblowers.
