Independent TD for Wexford, Verona Murphy, a member of the Regional Group of TDs is seeking to have a new law penalising those who lie under oath for personal gain to be passed by Dáil Éireann as a matter of urgency to help curb insurance costs which are continuing to spiral out of control.

Deputy Murphy said,

“The group of 9 TDs of which I am one, have submitted a motion to be debated in Dáil Éireann to reinstate the Perjury and Related Offences Bill 2018 to Committee stage next week.”

In a press release, the group said,

“As soon as the committees are established, we will ask our colleagues to pass this much needed legislation so that it can be swiftly signed into law. It sends a signal to all that lying under oath for personal gain is no longer acceptable.”

“Placing perjury on the statute books is not just about penalising those who commit perjury, it is about preventing those from doing it in the first place. Tough sanctions should act as a deterrent and may make someone think twice about lying and diverting the course of justice”

The group continued,

“This Bill initiated by former Independent Senator Pádraig Ó Céidigh received cross party support when it passed in the Seanad. The Government have included it in the current Programme for Government. Now is the time to action these commitments.”

“The Regional Group members highlight the need to pass this Bill without any further delay, the financial consequences of perjury and fraudulent claims can be devastating to people’s lives and businesses. In some cases, resulting in people losing their livelihoods, which is evidenced everyday as businesses close unable to afford the cost of exorbitant premiums that insurance providers say are the result of these actions”