Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Amendment No. 27 removes the age restriction from the proposed section 14A to the Criminal Evidence Act 1992, which allows for evidence to be given from behind a screen by a person under the age of 18 years. In this case the provision will apply to complainants and witnesses under that age recognising the special protection that should be afforded to children. A similar provision is to be introduced into the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Bill 2016 which, although not age restricted, will apply to adults and will be limited to victims of crime. I do not believe it would be appropriate to extend the provision to all adult witnesses and nor does the victims' directive, a European Union directive. That Bill will address several matters relating to criminal evidence and victims generally. This issue will be included in the forthcoming Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Bill 2016 and the issues raised by the Deputy would be appropriately addressed in that context. That Bill has been published and will come before the House in this term.

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