Barry Ward (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is an important section and it is worth marking its passage. No amendment to it has been tabled but it is a very important measure that the Minister has put into the Bill. It is with regard to creating an environment where witnesses feel they can come forward and that when they do they will avail of the protection of the court system, never mind the State and whatever prosecutorial agencies there are. The availability of the possibility of anonymity for a witness giving evidence is tremendously important. It applies with regard to very particular offences but we all know the circumstances, and I suspect many of us have dealt with a situation where somebody has shared with us their unwillingness to come forward as a witness in a case because of the very fact their name or face will get out there or become known to a person before the court. Section 46 is tremendously important. It is also a new departure for our law. In circumstances where these Houses are trying to build a situation where the courts are a more welcome environment for people who are victims of crime or witnesses to crime, it is entirely appropriate that we put in place a measure such as this. I did not want it to pass without it being specifically welcomed.