Offences Committed Abroad by Irish Citizens

A new law criminalising serious offences committed abroad by Irish citizens or residents came into force recently. Under the Criminal Law (Extraterritorial Jurisdiction) Act 2019, individuals who commit particular offences abroad will be liable to be prosecuted under Irish law. Offences for the purposes of the Act include:

  • assault causing harm;
  • assault causing serious harm;
  • threats to kill or cause serious harm;
  • coercion;
  • harassment;
  • sexual assault;
  • aggravated sexual assault;
  • rape, or 
  • rape under section 4 of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act 1990;
  • murder;
  • manslaughter.