Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 92: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of incidents of witness intimidation reported in each of the past five ears to date; the action taken to counter same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42217/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the table shows the number of proceedings commenced for the offence of intimidation of a witness/juror for the years 2001 to 2005.

All information or complaints in relation to alleged witness intimidation are thoroughly investigated by An Garda Síochána.

Following consultations with the Garda authorities a dedicated Witness Security Programme was established in 1997 under the direct operational control and administration of the Garda Commissioner. This was backed up with certain provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 1999.

The Witness Security Programme was established because of the rise in the criminal activities of organised crime groups, which increasingly attempt to corrupt and destroy the normal functioning of the criminal justice system by all possible means, including threats of violence and systematic intimidation or elimination of witnesses.

Protecting vulnerable witnesses has thus become a primary duty for States to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of their criminal justice systems and the continued safety and well being of their citizens.