The Government has announced details of one of the biggest reforms of the Criminal Justice system in decades.
Minister for Justice Michael McDowell said the draft legislation, which is expected to become law before Easter, is aimed at countering gang-related crime and tackling those involved in drug trafficking.
He described such crime as 'one of the greatest threats to society since the paramilitary activities of the 1970s'.
Among the proposed new measures are detention for up to seven days for those suspected of committing murder involving use of a firearm, or use of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
Anyone suspected of involvement in armed kidnappings can also be detained for the same period.
The right to silence in custody can also in certain circumstances be construed as indicating guilt or innocence.
In the area of bail, Mr McDowell said the changes are designed to ensure that it will be more difficult for those charged with gang-related offences to get bail.
Senior gardaí may give their opinion to the court that bail should be refused because they are of the opinion that the applicant is likely to commit a serious offence if given bail.
Evidence of income, assets and previous crimes both on and off bail will also be presented by gardaí at bail hearings.
A DNA database will be established under the legislation and all suspects arrested in connection with serious offences will have a DNA sample taken.
The new measures are expected to become law by Easter.
