Amendment to reform court character references set to become law – Carthy TD

Deputy Carthy described the measure as the most significant reform

Sinn Féin Justice spokesperson Matt Carthy TD has welcomed the acceptance of his amendments requiring character references in sentencing hearings for all indictable offences to be made under oath or by affidavit.

The reforms, included in the Criminal Law, Civil Law and Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026, completed their passage through the Oireachtas this week.

Deputy Carthy described the measure as the most significant reform of the use of character references in the Irish courts, saying it addresses long-standing concerns about their impact on victims and bereaved families.

He said victims had often found it deeply upsetting to hear unverified, positive character references read on behalf of offenders during sentencing, particularly in cases involving serious crimes such as unlawful killings and coercive control.

Until now, stricter rules requiring character references to be sworn or submitted by affidavit applied only in sexual offence cases. Under the new legislation, the same standard will apply across all indictable offences.

Deputy Carthy said the changes will ensure information presented during sentencing is subject to greater scrutiny, giving victims and their families increased confidence in the court process. He also thanked Karen Ryan, whose father was the victim of an unlawful killing, for her work in highlighting the need for the reform.