Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 454: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide an outline of the witness protection programme and a general account as to its operation; and the amount spent on the programme in 2005. [13554/06]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 455: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether the witness protection programme needs to be radically overhauled and put on a statutory basis; the reason this has not been done; and his proposals in this regard. [13555/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 454 and 455 together.

The witness security programme was established in 1997 in response to the activities of organised criminal gangs to facilitate those persons who are prepared to give evidence against alleged offenders. The programme continues to operate under the direct control and administration of the Garda Commissioner.

It is not the practice and it would be contrary to the public interest to comment on the specifics of the operation of the programme, including numbers admitted to it.

Since its inception, the cost of the programme has been as follows: 1997 — zero; 1998 —€52,831; 1999 —€109,671; 2000 —€190,085; 2001 —€459,588; 2002 —€829,898; 2003 —€1,183,482; 2004 —€1,123,889; and 2005 —€540,547.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the review of the witness security programme by an assistant Garda commissioner has been completed and is currently being considered by senior management. I can assure the Deputy that, when received, the recommendations of the review will be given full and careful consideration.