Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Mar 1997

Vol. 476 No. 3

Written Answers. - Prosecution Statistics.

Liz O'Donnell

Question:

125 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Justice whether any case has been struck out or collapsed because of a delay on the part of the State Prosecuting Authorities, the Chief State Solicitor's office, and Director of Public Prosecutions in having the book of evidence ready in the past year; if so, whether there is a record of such cases; the action, if any, which is taken in the event of such striking out of prosecutions; the redress, if any, that the victim of the crime has in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7135/97]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

As stated in the House last week, I am informed by the relevant agencies — the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Chief State Solicitor's office and the Garda Síochána — that the information sought is not readily available and could be obtained only by the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of staff time and resources. Furthermore, the Office of the DPP is independent and not under the aegis of my Department.

The Deputy may be aware that I published a Charter for Victims of Crime on 28 February 1997. The charter pinpoints legislation relevant to victims, explains the role of the Garda and brings together details of various services available. It also outlines the overall structure of victim support and addresses the special needs of particular victims of crime such as children, the elderly and victims of domestic violence and sexual crime.