Plans to reform justice system 'weak'

GOVERNMENT plans to reform the country's criminal justice system are weak, the former head of the Criminal Assets Bureau yesterday said.

Solicitor Barry Galvin said lawlessness in the Republic is "unacceptably high" and legislative changes being introduced by Justice Minister Michael McDowell do not go far enough to address the situation.

Echoing comments he made on Tuesday to the joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Mr Galvin said: "There is a whole variety of nonsensical restrictions which mean criminals are getting away with it and victims are not being vindicated through the courts."