McDowell defends DPP’s role in Holohan case

THE Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell yesterday backed the Director of Public Prosecutions amid public disquiet over the handling of the Wayne O’Donoghue case.

Mr McDowell said there were often legal complexities in cases which the public does not understand and were not easy to explain.

Mr McDowell, attending the graduation of 127 new gardaí at Templemore, said: “I just want to say that I think the system of Justice requires that the government should stay away from the administration of justice and that all parties, some of whom have rights to appeal in relation to this matter, should be allowed do it without the government weighing in and expressing views on the outcome of the case.”

Asked if the DPP’s office should be more accountable he said: “I think the independence of the Director of Public Prosecutions Office is a very important part of the Irish legal system. And sometimes there are aspects of cases which the public does not understand and sometimes it is not easy for the Director of Public Prosecutions to explain them, because there are all sorts of complex technical reasons and legal reasons and people’s rights involved in these cases as well. Ireland is well served by the Director of Public Prosecutions and I have the height of admiration for him.”

It also emerged yesterday that Wayne O’Donoghue may appear at Robert Holohan’s inquest.

Criminal barrister Michael O’Higgins SC said the Midleton youth can be compelled to attend the coroner’s investigation.

“In general you have to say an inquest is not a fertile place for throwing up new information because it is confined to throwing up a why, how, when and where. I don’t know whether the accused man would give evidence at that.

“I think he can, I’m not a 100% sure on that. A witness summons can be issued. I’m not sure whether he can be compelled to answer questions but I think he can be compelled to attend,” he told RTE’s Pat Kenny.

According to new legislation, a coroner can issue a fine of €3,000 and/or a jail term of 12 months for non attendance of an inquest.

However, previous attempts at forcing testimonies at inquests have met with strong opposition.

At the graduation, the Commissioner’s Medal for academic achievement went to Garda Colm MacDonnachadha, from Co Galway; the Templemore Town Council Medal went to Garda Sinead Hilliard, from Blanchardstown, Dublin.