Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 28 May 1992

Vol. 420 No. 5

Written Answers. - Details of Justice Interdepartmental Groups.

John Bruton

Ceist:

78 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline the composition, terms of reference, date of appointment and results to date of (a) the interdepartmental group on the administration of justice, (b) the interdepartmental group on urban crime and (c) the advisory group on the investigation and prosecution of serious fraud.

Alan Shatter

Ceist:

79 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline the composition, terms of reference, date of appointment and results to date of (a) the interdepartmental group on the administration of justice, (b) the interdepartmental group on urban crime and (c) the advisory group on the investigation and prosecution of serious fraud.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Flynn)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 79 together.

The Interdepartmental Group on the Administration of Justice was established in October 1989 with the purpose of developing on a co-ordinated basis policy measures in relation to various areas of the criminal justice system. The group, which was chaired by the Minister for Justice, comprised senior officials from the Departments of Justice, Health, Education, the Attorney General's Office and the Garda Síochána. The group presented its findings in 1990. Most of the recommendations of the group either have been, or are being implemented.

The Interdepartmental Group on Urban Crime was established in November 1991 with the purpose of providing a wider response to urban and juvenile crime than can be provided by the Garda Síochána on its own. The group comprises senior officials from the Departments of Justice, Education, Environment, Health, Labour and Social Welfare, the Garda Síochána, as well as representatives from Dublin County Council, Dublin Corporation and IDA. The group is currently focusing on the needs of the Ronanstown area of Dublin and it will in due course look at areas of Cork and Limerick cities. The first report of the group is due shortly.

The Advisory Group on the Investigation and Prosecution of Serious Fraud is at present in the course of being established. Its purpose is to consider what measures are necessary to enhance the State's capacity to deal with cases, or possible cases, of large scale fraud and to make recommendations thereon. It is intended that the group will be in a position to issue its first report by the end of the year.