asked the Minister for Justice the reason there was a delay of over three weeks in the forwarding of a statement made to the Garda on 4 November 1987 to the lawyers representing the Birmingham Six in the Court of Appeal hearing in London; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Birmingham Six Appeal.
8.
Between the date on which the statement was made and the date on which it was brought to the attention of the British Court of Appeal, the Garda Síochána, the Department of Justice and the Department of Foreign Affairs were involved in consideration and discussions on the matter. While this was necessary, it does appear that the matter was not dealt with with the necessary dispatch. I am examining the matter in consultation with the Garda Commissioner and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, with a view to ensuring that delays of this nature do not occur in future.
I understand that when the court in question had examined the statement, the Lord Chief Justice ruled that the evidence was not credible, and the court declined to admit it. This, however, does not take from the fact that delay did arise.
I welcome the fact that the Minister accepts that that delay should not have occurred. Could I bring to his attention, and ask him to bring it to the attention of those involved in the unduly lengthy discussion about this statement, that the delay in making the statement available to the lawyers acting for the Birmingham Six could have seriously prejudiced the outcome of this case? The comments made by the Lord Chief Justice related to the statement which was handed into court. The delay that resulted in the statement being made available to the lawyers acting on behalf of the Birmingham Six meant that the person who made the statement could not be called as a witness before the Court of Appeal. That person, if called as a witness, might have had evidence to offer which not only would have been credible but which could have considerably enhanced the case being made on behalf of the Birmingham Six that they were not guilty of the offences of which they have been convicted.
I most certainly shall bring the views of Deputy Shatter to the attention of those involved in this matter. I regret very much, indeed, that there was a delay. It should not have happened and it is my firm resolution to see to it that this sort of thing does not happen again.
I am now proceeding to deal with questions nominated for priority. I call Question No. 36 in the name of Deputy Harney.
25.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will consider introducing two lay persons from the private sector into the management structure of the Garda Síochána to deal with (a) organisation, and (b) community relations in an attempt to assist the Garda to combat crime.