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MAGINNESS - NEED TO SCRUTINISE PUBLIC FUNDS SPENT ON COURT
CASES SDLP Justice spokesman Alban Maginness said a devolved policing and justice powers would allow local politicians to probe the amount of public funds spent prosecuting high profile court cases. Commenting on the news that prosecution barristers in the Omagh bomb trial were paid more than £1m, the North Belfast Assembly Member acknowledged that victims’ need for justice but said there must be greater scrutiny of legal fees paid out of public funds. He said: “First and foremost, it is important that we remember the dignity, determination and decency of the victims in these cases. This must be paramount. “Their courage and conviction in their quest for justice must be applauded and appreciated and should continue. “It must not be forgotten that those responsible for the murder of Robert McCartney, the Omagh bombing and the Northern Bank robbery are still at large and until they are apprehended and brought to justice in a court of law the frustration, hurt and anger felt by their victims will continue. “However, I am very concerned at this large expenditure of public funds which requires some form of public explanation especially when the outcomes of the cases are considered. “At present there is no legal obligation for the Public Prosecution Service to do this but at the very least there should be a moral requirement to explain how such fees are paid. “We still do not have the devolution of policing and justice powers but if we did we could demand answers or compel the director of public prosecutions to appear in front of a minister, the Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister or the Assembly. “But it is deeply unsatisfactory to have no explanation at all. “Unfortunately our circumstances in the North mean we have many high profile court cases. “Therefore, it is essential that we demand the best people possible to prosecute these cases which are often very complex. “However, we must find some way of regulating payments made to prosecutors as indeed “The Omagh trial was exceptional case with so many victims and many complicated legal arguments which may come some way to explaining the cost in that case, “While we have no control or input into the Public Prosecution Service it will be difficult to introduce regulation. Yet it is clear we cannot have an unlimited market and we have got to be able to scrutinise the sort of fees being paid out of public funds.” ENDS
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