Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 7

Written Answers. - Processing of Warrants.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

42 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the estimated number of unexecuted warrants for arrest outstanding in the Dublin metropolitan area, broken down and classed by reference to the number of months since their date of issue; the steps, if any, which have been taken or proposed to be taken, including the greater use of information technology, to deal with the backlog of such warrants; the estimated costs of any planned improvements to the system for the processing and execution of such warrants; the proposed timetable for the introduction of such improvements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17071/97]

Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Miss M. Wallace)

The Minister has been informed by the Garda authorities that it has not been possible to compile the information sought by the Deputy within the time available. The information is currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.

The Deputy may be interested to know that a working group has been established to examine the situation in relation to bench warrants. An interim report has now been completed and its recommendations are being considered. It is likely that the use of information technology will form part of the solution in relation to addressing this matter.