Gardaí back bid to alter way suspects interviewed

GARDA representative bodies have welcomed proposals by Justice Minister Michael McDowell to change the rules under which suspects are interviewed in custody but insist they remain opposed to his plans to introduce a Garda reserve force.

Mr McDowell yesterday said he will soon hold discussions with judges about reform of the rules of evidence surrounding statements taken of witnesses in custody.

Speaking as 265 trainees were sworn into the force at a ceremony at the garda college in Templemore, Co Tipperary, the minister said he wanted to abolish the requirement of gardaí to write out in long-hand questions and answers during such interviews, even when they were being video recorded.