Pre-trial video depositions may deter ‘memory loss’, says Bar Council

VIDEOTAPING witnesses’ depositions before a suspect is returned for trial or even charged should be considered to prevent cases collapsing due to claims of amnesia or intimidation, the Bar Council argued yesterday.

In a submission to the Oireachtas justice committee, senior barristers also said the witness protection programme should be placed on a statutory basis to make it more transparent, establish definite criteria for those admitted and to clearly lay down the witnesses' rights and responsibilities.

The committee is hearing representations over six days in response to public disquiet over the collapse of the Liam Keane murder trial after witnesses, claiming memory loss, refused to confirm earlier statements made to investigating gardaí.