Vol. 457 No. 7
265 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Justice the submissions, if any, she has received from Victim Support regarding the conduct of identity parades; the plans, if any, she has to introduce changes to make it easier for witnesses to participate in these parades; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16320/95]
My Department received correspondence from Victim Support yesterday, 6 November, concerning a letter received by them regarding identification parade procedures. The correspondence also refers to the victims' charter published by Victim Support which states that the present arrangements for identification parades are unacceptable in so far as they require a witness to physically touch an alleged offender by way of identification. The charter suggests identification by number instead.
I am advised that the procedures followed in relation to identification parades have been evolved over time by the Garda authorities and are aimed at ensuring that the identification arrangements meet the requirements of the law. I have asked them to review the situation afresh in the light of the correspondence from Victim Support.
