McDowell to accept amendments to Bill

The Minister for Justice Michael McDowell has indicated he will accept amendments to the Criminal Justice Bill 2007 following concerns expressed by barristers.

Some 140 barristers yesterday called on the Minister to delay the passage of the Criminal Justice Bill through the Dáil until after Easter at least.

In a letter they told Mr McDowell that time is needed to allow those involved in the criminal justice system to make a constructive input into the debate.

Among the concerns raised by the barristers were provisions for seven day detention, curtailing the right to silence, and mandatory sentencing. Last night a spokeswoman for the Minister said he will consider amendments to address the concerns in the 4th Report stage of the bill next week.

Meanwhile the Law Society has called for the Criminal Justice Bill 2007, which is currently before the Dáil, to be withdrawn today.

Writing in today's Irish Times Ken Murphy, director general of the Law Society, says fundamental freedoms of citizens should only be reduced following a proper opportunity for informed public debate.

Practically no public debate has taken place on the contents of this Bill, he claimed.