Michael Ahern
Question:47 Mr. M. Ahern asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to modernise criminal procedure. [3808/96]
Written Answers. - Criminal Procedure Proposals.
I take it that what the Deputy has in mind are any proposals I may have for legislative change in the area to which he refers.
The Deputy will be aware that I have a major programme of criminal law reform under way at present. While, of their nature, all of these proposed measures will impinge to a greater or lesser extent on criminal procedural matters, I should refer the Deputy in particular to the proposed Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill. I am concerned at some of the procedural arrangements for dealing with criminal cases and, in particular, the amount of Garda time which is spent unproductively in court. The Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill — which is at an advanced stage of preparation — will contain a series of measures to address this issue.
Any further proposals I may have in this general area will, of course, be announced in the usual way in due course.