RCNI Press Release 27 October 2005

DPP decisions should be open and transparent

The Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) today said that the added hurt and outrage caused to the Holohan family is a direct result of the ‘no reasons for decisions’ policy pursued by Mr Hamilton and call for this practice to be reviewed by the DPP.

Kate Mulkerrins, RCNI Legal Coordinator said, ‘the RCNI have been campaigning against the DPP’s ‘climate of secrecy’ that has allowed the continuation of a prosecutorial system lacking in both transparency and accountability. This practice causes great distress to many victims of crime. We deeply regret that the Holohan family have fallen victim to this policy on top of all their other suffering. Lessons need to be learned and changes implemented. The DPP prosecutes on the people’s behalf it is not too much to ask that there are mechanisms through which he can be held accountable in those decisions.

Through extensive media reports we have a rare glimpse into the potential reasons for prosecutorial decisions that offer vindication of decisions that otherwise might appear surprising or even utterly incapable of explanation. The DPP was in an unenviable position in this case having to “hold in secrecy” the competing interests of ensuring that ‘fair trial procedures’ were adhered to and that the introduction of controversial evidence that might prove ‘unsustainable’ and damage the case for manslaughter is a direct result of this ‘no reasons for decisions’ policy. Victims of serious crime deserve to at least know why the DPP takes the decisions he does, about their case.’

Notes:
• The RCNI is the national forum of Rape Crisis Centres, which provides a strong voice for survivors and is a catalyst for social change to end rape and all forms of sexual violence.

For information contact:
Cliona Saidlear: 087 2196447
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