Special non-jury court must remain to ensure stronger, safer communities – Farrell

Non-jury courts which deal with the country’s most dangerous criminals must remain a central part of our justice system, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Alan Farrell, Fine Gael’s Justice spokesperson, has welcomed the publication of a report from a review group which examined the Offences Against the State Acts, which have served the State well in tackling subversives and organised crime gangs.

Deputy Farrell said that, given the Acts and Special Criminal Court are key pillars of the criminal justice system, any proposed reforms require careful and detailed consideration.

And Deputy Farrell added that is vital that, pending those considerations, we continue to renew the Offences Against the State Acts and the Special Criminal Court – including in a Dáil vote next week.

“Fine Gael remains unanimous in its support for the SCC and the justice system that supports victims of crime, their families and their communities,” Deputy Farrell said.

“This is a matter of right and wrong, justice or injustice, support for victims or safe harbour for organised crime. The choice is clear, the SCC allows us to put the leaders of criminal gangs and terrorist groups behind bars.

“We will of course give detailed consideration to the findings of the review group, but we must continue to renew the SCC every year.”

The main opposition party, Sinn Féin, has never voted to support the retention of the SCC.

“Sinn Fein‘s position on the SCC damages the safety and security of the State and would allow whole communities to be targeted by organised crimes.

“Accountability in politics matters and Sinn Fein owe the public a clear answer on why they refuse to support the SCC.

“Again, today on RTE radio 1, Sinn Féin refused to say they will support the retention of the SCC. They will not support the court,” Deputy Farrell said.

Regarding the recommendation, by the Government appointed review group, for a permanent Special Criminal Court on a permanent footing, Deputy Farrell said it was important that all stakeholders ( relevant Departments, the Garda Commissioner, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Courts Service and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission) are consulted as outlined by Justice Minister Helen McEntee.

“Jury intimidation remains a serious issue in this country. The SCC has done invaluable work for the State and some of the most dangerous criminals this country has come up against are locked up thanks to the SCC.

“Fine Gael will ensure that we can continue to have such a court to ensure stronger, safer communities,” Deputy