Mary Harney
Question:66 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Justice the changes, if any, which have been made in her Department following the Special Criminal Court débâcle; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2182/97]
Written Answers. - Departmental Changes.
Liz O'Donnell
Question:217 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Justice the changes, if any, which have been made in her Department following the Special Criminal Court débâcle; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2378/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 217 together.
A series of measures relating to procedures and systems in the Department have been introduced following the failure to notify a judge of his removal from the Special Criminal Court. These include revised administrative procedures in relation to the implementation of Government decisions and the handling of correspondence.
In addition, proposals for medium and longer-term reforms of the institutional framework of the justice system are proceeding. Among other matters, legislation providing for the establishment of a courts service arising from the third report of the working group on a courts commission is being prepared as a matter of priority and an expert group which was established to work out the detailed aspects of a proposed new prisons board or agency is to report its findings shortly. The Garda Strategic Management Initiative steering group is also well advanced on its work and is expected to report in the near future.
It is clear that the restructuring of the institutional framework of the justice system which is progressing represents a very significant organisation development programme. It will require the development of a new relationship and accountability framework for all agencies associated with my Department and it will change significantly the role of the core Department when fully implemented. This programme is being overseen by a high level steering group which is mandated to report to Government on progress on a regular basis.
Finally, I can assure the Deputy that any recommendations in the Cromien-Molloy report which are not otherwise embraced by the organisation development programme have been or are being addressed.