Dáil Justice Committee report will outline plans to tackle crime
The report will be presented to Justice Minister Michael McDowell for consideration.
“We haven’t set down the proposals yet. We’re finalising it at the moment. But the recommendations will obviously deal with gangland crime, court procedures and the treatment of victims,” said committee member and Labour party justice spokesman Joe Costello.
The committee hearings were set up against the background of a high-profile Limerick gangland murder trial, which collapsed after prosecution witnesses refused to testify, following suspected intimidation.
Mr Costello said there was a particular problem with the State’s response to gangland crime.
“There has been a total failure on the part of gardaí and the minister to address the issue. It’s ironic that during the mayhem in Limerick the minister didn’t see any need for more gardaí and resources. Now he’s giving promises of 2,000 more gardaí before the European and local election.”
During the hearings, the committee heard from representatives of Victim Support, the Law Society, the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, Prison Service director Sean Aylward, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, as well as criminal and legal experts.
Mr McDowell and Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy also gave presentations.
Publication of the report was delayed to allow the committee hold hearings into the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings.
The committee recommended British Prime Minister Tony Blair hold a full inquiry into the bombings and it called on the Taoiseach to lobby Mr Blair.
Mr Ahern was also asked to hold two inquiries here in relation to the Garda investigation and the disappearance of files from the Department of Justice.
Mr Costello said the committee would push for an early debate in the Dáil after the Easter recess and for a similar debate in the British parliament.
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