John O'Donoghue
Question:228 Mr. O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to establish a witness protection programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18429/96]
Written Answers. - Witness Protection Programme.
Arrangements for the protection of witnesses are a matter for operational decision by the Garda authorities. They inform me that arrangements are in place whereby Garda protection can be afforded as necessary to any witness and, if appropriate, members of a witness's family, before, during and after giving evidence in court. The Garda authorities state that their protection arrangements ensure a measured Garda response which is tailored to the needs of an individual witness. They consider that such arrangements can better meet the widely varying protection requirements of witnesses than the adoption of standardised procedures which might be included in a general scheme.