---

Scrapping FRT among ICCL election calls

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) has called for the abolition of the Special Criminal Court and the scrapping of plans to allow gardaí to use facial-recognition technology (FRT).

The calls are two of nine “high-priority” measures included in the organisation’s manifesto for the general election.

As well as the abolition of the Special Criminal Court, the ICCL also wants the repeal of the Offences Against the State Acts, after a “robust democratic debate” about what form any replacement legislation should take.

The Government published draft legislation on FRT late last year, but the ICCL believes that the proposals do not go far enough to protect fundamental rights.

Ethics laws

Other issues highlighted in the manifesto include reform of the Coroner Service, and a review aimed at strengthening the Data Protection Commission.

The ICCL also says that Ireland’s ethics laws need “urgent review” in order to maintain public confidence.

It also calls for measures to protect the rights of those seeking international protection, improve access to abortion services, and guarantee the independence of the community and voluntary sector.

‘Unprecedented pressures’

The manifesto also calls for the publication of the Garda Síochána (Powers) Bill, describing it as “a key component” of proposals from the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland to reform the Irish policing system.

“At a time of unprecedented pressures on the human-rights system globally, this general election is a moment for our political parties to recommit to protecting Ireland’s rights and democratic norms,” said Claire McEvoy (head of research and policy).

“We hope to see all political parties committing to protect human rights and, subsequently, we’ll be campaigning for these commitments to be included in the Programme for Government,” she added.