Criminal Justice Bill to be rushed through Dáil, says McDowell
The Criminal Justice Bill 2006 is to be rushed through the Oireachtas before the summer recess, it emerged today.
Justice Minister Michael McDowell today briefed the Cabinet on the Garda’s strategy to tackle organised crime in the greater Dublin area.
Mr McDowell told the Taoiseach and his ministers that he was assured by the Garda Commissioner that a lack of resources wasn’t responsible for a recent escalation in violence.
James Perdue (aged 22) was shot dead yesterday as he walked back to his apartment in the Coolock area.
“These criminals are a desperate and disparate group but garda pressure on them is extensive and increasing. Specialised garda units are targeting them,” Mr McDowell said.
Mr McDowell told the Cabinet he aims to push the Criminal Justice Bill through all stages of the Dáil and Seanad before the July 6 recess.
“The Cabinet has recognised the urgency of enacting the Bill’s provisions,” a Government spokesman said.
The Justice Department said only 17% of gun murders since 1998 have been successfully prosecuted.
But Mr McDowell indicated that garda figures show that of the 29 murders so far this year, up to 13 involved firearms.
A total of 20 of the killings have been solved, with files either with or on the way to the DPP.
