‘Dr. Alan Cusack’s Research Cited in Major National Report on Vulnerable Witnesses’

Review of Protections for Vulnerable Witnesses Report

On 6 August 2020, an expert working group, led by Tom O’Malley BL, published a major national report on the treatment of vulnerable witnesses in the Irish criminal process. The report, entitled ‘Review of Protections for Vulnerable Witnesses in the Investigation and Prosecution of Sexual Offences’ cited, with approval, recent research by Dr. Alan Cusack on the law governing the use of special measures for vulnerable witnesses in Irish criminal proceedings.

Minister for Justice and Equality, Helen McEntee TD, has undertaken to develop, in collaboration with the NGO sector and stakeholders, a rigorous implemention plan based on the findings in the report. In a press release which accompanied the launch of the report, Minister McEntee announced:

“The content of the report will need careful analysis to determine a swift and effective policy response and implementation plan. I am keen to commence work on a number of actions immediately, and look forward to working with stakeholders, frontline partners and the NGO community on this. Developing an ambitious implementation plan is a priority for me as Minister for Justice”.

A copy of the full newspaper report can be found at the following link: https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/more-children-affected-by-parents-being-in-prison-than-by-child-homelessness-947888.html