DPP invites opinions on how to break silence

VICTIMS of crime baffled by decisions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) are being invited to tell him how he can be more open about the way his office operates.

A six-week consultation period has begun during which individuals, victim support groups, legal experts and those involved in law enforcement are urged to give their opinions on how to ease the secrecy which has traditionally surrounded the DPP’s actions.

A discussion paper published today focuses on proposals to end the practice of refusing to give reasons to victims in cases where a suspect is identified and investigated by gardaí but is not charged, or where a suspect is charged but the charges are subsequently dropped.