Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Jan 1997

Vol. 473 No. 6

Written Answers. - Videotaping of Interviews.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

61 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Justice the Garda stations in which videotaping of interviews is currently employed; the percentage of individuals who have refused permission for their interviews to be videotaped; the further proposals, if any, she has for such videotaping; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2179/97]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

Pilot trials on the use of audio and audio visual recording of interviews with suspects are ongoing in four selected Garda stations — the Bridewells in Dublin, Cork and Tallaght and Portlaoise stations.

These trials are being overseen by a steering committee under the charimanship of Circuit Court judge, Mr. Esmond Smyth, whose task it is to assess them and report to me on whether an effective and economic basis can be found for a national scheme. The trials have been in operation at these stations for some time on a nonstatutory voluntary basis and, on average, only 8 per cent of suspects have agreed to have their interviews recorded. The steering committee has advised me that they would be unable to reach definitive conclusions on the effects of electronic recording on the basis of such a low percentage take-up and have recommended that I make regulations under section 27 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 requiring interviews in the pilot trial stations to be recorded, subject to the gardaí having a discretion to discontinue electronic recording where a suspect objects to continued recording after the interview starts.

I expect to be in a position to make these regulations in the near future.