21/07/2015

Call For Minister To Set Up Task Force To Deal With Outstanding Warrants

There are over 115,000 outstanding warrants in the criminal justice system, it has been revealed.

Fianna Fáil has called on the Minister for Justice and Equality to set up a task force to deal with the rising number, and said the cut backs to Garda resources has seriously undermined the Gardaí's ability to execute warrants.

Spokesperson for Justice, Niall Collins TD, said: "The execution of warrants is the bread and butter of the criminal justice system. The failure to execute over 115,000 warrants as of the 30th June 2015 is a serious threat to our criminal justice system.

"This is in effect making orders of our courts and the Gardaí totally ineffective. Since I was appointed Fianna Fáil's Spokesperson for Justice I have continuously pursued this matter with both former Minister Shatter and Minister FitzGerald.

"There is a great concern out there amongst the judiciary and the Gardaí that if warrants are continuously left without execution it will make a mockery of the whole criminal justice system. Not only that, but law abiding citizens expect the state to provide an effective system of justice in this country.

"I believe the Minister for Justice must now consult with the Garda Commissioner and establish a special Garda Taskforce to deal with the outstanding warrants."

(CD/JP)

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