Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2007
189 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the changes he considers appropriate for the witness protection programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22562/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Witness Security Programme was established in 1997 under the direct operational control and administration of the Garda Commissioner in response to attempts by criminal and other groups to prevent the normal functioning of the criminal justice system, including threats of violence and systematic intimidation of witnesses.
The Programme has been demonstrably successful and it has withstood legal challenge in both the Court of the Criminal Appeal and the Supreme Court.
Nevertheless, in response to some criticisms, the Garda Commissioner appointed an Assistant Commissioner to review the Programme in its entirety. This review was substantively completed in 2005, and enhancements to the Programme's administration and operation have since been implemented by the Garda Síochána. For obvious reasons, it is not the practice to comment upon the details of operating the Programme.
I am aware of suggestions which have been made that the Witness Security Programme should be placed on a statutory basis. The Garda Commissioner has informed me that he would not favour this approach, and I have no plans in that regard. It seems clear, in particular, that placing the Programme on a statutory basis would have no effect whatsoever on the willingness or otherwise of people to enter the Programme.
