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Victim Support Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 January 2019

Thursday, 17 January 2019

Ceisteanna (95, 96)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

95. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if State prosecution witnesses receive ongoing support in serious criminal prosecution cases in which the witness may fear for their safety due to the release of the perpetrator; and the details of the supports a witness may have access to. [2122/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

96. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if State witnesses in serious criminal cases are informed prior to a decision on the early release of the person they testified against; and if such information is passed on as a matter of routine. [2123/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 96 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, there are specific legislative provisions in place, under section 41 of the Criminal Justice Act 1999, to protect witnesses and victims of crime from any form of intimidation in their reporting of crime and in their assisting An Garda Síochána in crime investigation. Under this Act, it is a criminal offence to harm or threaten, menace or in any other way intimidate or put in fear another person who is assisting in an investigation of an offence by An Garda Síochána.

I am assured that when An Garda Síochána become aware of a potential threat to life, whether against a witness in a serious criminal case or against anybody else, immediate steps are taken by Gardaí to mitigate against this danger such as, for example, the issuing of a Garda Information Message warning to those whose live might be in danger from criminals. However, I would encourage any person who fears for their safety, or indeed the Deputy if she is aware of such a concern, to contact their local/nearest Garda station as a matter of urgency. Alternatively, and if they so wished, they can contact An Garda Síochána by using the Garda Confidential Line on Tel: 1800 666111.

I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána will continue to place the highest importance on the safety of our citizens and will always be on hand to advise any individual regarding any safety concerns they might have.

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