Vol. 417 No. 9
140 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Justice if it is intended to implement the main recommendations of the report of the Martin Committee of Inquiry into certain aspects of criminal procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The recommendations of the Martin Committee deal with two issues. The first relates to the desirability of a procedure under which convictions can be reviewed following the exhaustion of the normal appeal procedures where there is an allegation of miscarriage of justice. The committee recommended the establishment of an independent body with statutory powers of inquiry to examine cases where substantial doubt as to the propriety of a conviction has arisen but where the normal appeal procedures have been exhausted. This recommendation has important implications for our criminal law system and is under detailed examination. I will bring forward my proposals as soon as possible in line with the commitment in the review of the Programme for Government.
The Martin Committee also recommended the introduction of video recording of questioning of suspects by the Garda Síochána. I am looking at this recommendation with a view to submitting proposals to the Government as soon as possible.
