Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan today launched a new Juvenile Protocol for rape and murder cases involving children. 16 signatories to the protocol agree to expediting such cases to reduce the stress, trauma and the detrimental effect delays in the criminal justice system have on child victims and child defendants.
Speaking at the event Minister O'Callaghan said
"The Protocol commits to ambitious deadlines so that cases to which the protocol applies can go to trial and be completed within a time limit of 52 weeks approximately. There is no doubt that delays in trials involving children, whether as defendants or the accused, can have a very detrimental impact on the child’s life. This new protocol takes full account of this reality and will make a profound difference"
Mr Justice David Barniville, President of the High Court noted
"The protocol expressly records that the signatories recognise that in all cases the interests of the child should be a primary concern in light of the child’s Constitutional and human rights.' He added thanks and gratitude to Mr Justice Paul McDermott and Ms Justice Caroline Biggs for their tireless and unstinting work in getting this important protocol to the stage where it can now be launched with the support of everyone involved."
16 Signatories included: The Department of Justice, the President of the High Court, the President of the District Court, An Garda Síochána (AGS), The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, The Law Society of Ireland, The Bar Council of Ireland, Tusla – Child and Family Agency, Health Service Executive (HSE), Children’s Health Ireland, Courts Service Ireland, Victim Support at Court (V-SAC), Accompaniment Support Services for Children (ASSC), Forensic Science Ireland (FSI), The Probation Service and Oberstown Children Detention Campus.
Pictured at the Juvenile Protocol launch were the President of the High Court Mr Justice David Barniville, Director of Public Prosecutions, Catherine Pierse, Mr Justice Paul McDermott, Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan, Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris.
Read the full announcement.
Click here to Download the Protocol.