Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

While I accept putting covert surveillance on a statutory footing, the reality is that it has existed for some time. It may also be the case that the Garda does not want to bring covert surveillance in particular instances into evidence in the courts.

The Deputy may or may not know that as a result of the victims initiative I announced some months ago, I will soon be bringing to the Government legislation to assist victim impact statements and doing away with the double jeopardy rule, a substantial change to the legal process. I hope I get support from both sides of the House on this.

Another change will be in the practice where legal defence teams have been taking prosecution teams by surprise by bringing in evidence at the last minute. It will require them in future to give good notice of such evidence. The Government is always keeping criminal law under review. I do not say the Government has the surplus of knowledge in this area. Any reasonable suggestions from the other side of the House that will fly past the Attorney General will be accepted by us.

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