Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jun 1998

Vol. 493 No. 3

Written Answers. - Criminal Prosecutions.

Eoin Ryan

Question:

364 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to plea negotiations in criminal trials; and if the Director of Public Prosecutions has drawn up guidelines as recommended by the Law Reform Commission. [15696/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I would refer the Deputy to the Law Reform Commission's Consultation Paper and Report on Sentencing which deal, inter alia, with issues relating to plea negotiations.

Section 28 of the Criminal Justice (No. 2) Bill, 1997, which is currently before the House, contains a provision intended to underpin plea bargaining.

The Deputy will be aware that my Department is not responsible for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and that the director by law, is independent in the performance of his functions. However, I can tell the Deputy that I understand that the DPP has issued directions to prosecution counsel and State solicitors on the issue of plea negotiations.