Daily
Dispatch 14th - 26th June 2006
MAGINNESS
COMMENTS ON JUSTICE OVERSIGHT REPORT
SDLP Justice Spokesperson Alban Maginness MLA has commented
on the sixth and final Justice Oversight Commissioner’s
report which has said that more needs to be done to tackle lengthening
delays in the Criminal Justice system.
Mr
Maginness stated:
“The simple fact is that justice delayed is justice denied.
It is both unfair to the victim and the accused. The accused,
who may be innocent could have criminal charges hanging over them
for years when they need to be tried quickly. The victim also
deserves swift and decisive action so that they can have piece
of mind and the beginning, at least, of a process of closure.
The SDLP welcome the changes to the criminal justice system that
have occurred in the last three years but we believe that much
more can be done. Some of the changes to the system are waiting
for the devolution of justice powers to local institutions. We
believe that there is no need to wait. The Government should press
ahead with them now.
Those who are holding up the return of devolution are in fact
obstructing and impeding the renewal of our criminal justice system.
Those obstructionists should realise the adverse effect they are
having on the fullest possible implementation of justice within
our society.”
MAGINNESS
COMMENTS ON ZAITSCHEK EXTRADITION MOVES
Speaking as proceedings for Larry Zaitschek to be extradited
from the United States in connection with the Castlereagh break-in
in March 2002 began today, SDLP Justice Spokesperson Alban Maginness
stated:
Mr
Maginness stated:
“It is now almost 4 and a half years since the Castlereagh
raid and only now is extradition being sought in relation to it.
This delay is strange and worrying and the SDLP wants to know
the reasons for it. Is it because the evidence against Mr Zaitschek
is weak? Or is it because a source is being protected?
Justice delayed is justice denied. Serious questions have to be
asked about this case and serious answers have to be given by
the authorities. The SDLP has been pushing for the prosecution
service to give more reasons for delay especially in controversial
cases like this one. Either the DPP or the Attorney General needs
to explain what has been happening in this case.”
SDLP
WELCOMES REPORT ON PREVENTING SUICIDE - 26th June 2006
SDLP
Representatives Cllr Tim Attwood, Cllr Cathal Mullaghan, Cllr
Pat Convery and Margaret Walsh attended the launch of the North
and West Belfast Health Action Zone Task Group report on the Prevention
of Suicide and Self Harm,
Cllr
Cathal Mullaghan said: “This report is very important as
statistics show that Suicide is an increasing public health issue
which accounts for 1% of all deaths each year in Northern Ireland.
Suicide rates are higher in North and West Belfast that in other
parts of the North, with 19 per 10,000 compared with the regional
average of 13 per 10,000.”
Cllr
Tim Attwood stated; ”I welcome the recommendations of the
Report. If we are to see a meaningful reduction in rates of suicide
then a comprehensive strategic approach must be adopted engaging
the community and voluntary sector with Health Boards and Government
agencies. It is imperative that sufficient funding is made available
to allow for the recommendations to be implemented in full”.
Cllr
Pat Convery said;
”The
SDLP has responded to the consultation on the Regional Suicide
Prevention strategy, which ended last week. It is imperative that
the Department treat this issue as a priority by delivering and
ensuring funding for a suicide prevention strategy as soon as
it is practicable”.
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