Vol. 491 No. 2
44 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average length of time it takes to process a prosecution of a drug addict or a person prosecuted for a drugs related offence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11509/98]
There are two stages involved in the processing of a prosecution for a drugs related offence: the gathering of evidence by the Garda Síochána and deciding whether or not to prepare and send a file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the decision on whether or not to prosecute which is a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions. The decision on whether or not a prosecution will be taken summarily or on indictment is a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions. Summary prosecutions are taken by the Garda whereas those on indictment are taken by the Director of Public Prosecutions. The length of time it takes to process a prosecution is dependent on the complexity of the case, the nature of the offence, the amount of evidence involved and the time taken to gather same. Accordingly, it is not possible, to give the Deputy an indication of the average length of time it takes to process a prosecution for a drug related offence.
In general, I would like to take this opportunity to mention that the efficiency and effectiveness of the courts has been improved greatly in recent years as a result of the appointment of additional judges and staff, legislative provisions to streamline procedures, the development of case management systems by the judiciary and the continuing programme of court accommodation refurbishment. Court delays have been significantly reduced in all courts and virtually eliminated in some venues. In addition, the Criminal Justice Bill, 1997, allows for trials to take place more quickly through the abolition of preliminary examinations.
Furthermore, the programme for Government contained a commitment to introduce a drug courts system. I requested the working group on a courts commission to consider the matter and to report to me. The working group submitted its report on 26 February 1998. The report which contains radical and innovative proposals is currently under full and active consideration in my Department. I intend to bring the matter to Government shortly.
