Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 177: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he proposes to take to expedite the processing of bench warrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21115/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, bench warrants are issued when a defendant or witness fails to appear in court. I am informed that the Garda authorities are committed to strengthening the warrants enforcement process. The Commissioner has raised the issue of the execution of warrants, particularly bench warrants, with each Regional Assistant Commissioner and a range of measures have been identified and are being implemented aimed at reducing the number of warrants on hand. These measures include the re-assignment of additional Gardaí from other core-duties to this function. I understand that the position is being closely monitored by senior Garda management and consideration is also being given to further measures to address the situation.

The Third Programme of Law Reform of the Law Reform Commission is now underway. It includes an examination of the enforcement of court orders and the service of proceedings in both civil and criminal cases, in particular the procedure for the execution of bench warrants and search warrants.