Ahern stresses need for new powers

July 15, 2009 by Infowars Ireland

MINISTER FOR Justice Dermot Ahern stressed the need for powers to be introduced under the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Bill to be brought into effect expeditiously.

Some people had argued that the measures, aimed at combating gangland crime, should be held back until September to permit further debate, he said. Those arguing for a delay should remember that criminal legislation was not retrospective. He wanted to ensure that people could be charged under the legislation the day after it was passed.

Mr Ahern said this was good legislation and he believed that it would pass constitutional muster.

On steps to limit jury trials and to tackle jury intimidation as well as expanding the circumstances in which Garda evidence could be taken, he said the stark fact was that gang members had displayed a callous disregard for human life and a brazen contempt for their communities.

“They have come to believe that they can take on the criminal justice system and act as a law unto themselves. It is beyond question that criminal gangs will try to take whatever action is open to them to thwart the criminal justice system.”

Eugene Regan, Fine Gael justice spokesman in the Seanad, said that following the passing of the Bill, the Minister would not have any excuse for a lack of progress in the prosecution of serious crime. Read full article