News

PPS `heartened by recognition of hard work'

Máiría Cahill welcomed the further progress. Picture by Hugh Russell
Máiría Cahill welcomed the further progress. Picture by Hugh Russell Máiría Cahill welcomed the further progress. Picture by Hugh Russell

OUTGOING Director of Public Prosecutions Barra McGrory QC said he was "heartened" at the "recognition of our hard work to ensure that sound policies and procedures are in place for dealing with cases involving more serious crimes".

"The Public Prosecution Service has undertaken extensive organisational and structural change in the period preceding and following the Starmer Review," he said.

He said there were "some examples of excellent practice" with empathetic letters although "there is more to be done and we will be working hard now to ensure that this is achieved consistently across all cases".

"This is a report of great value to us and it will enable us to better focus and direct our efforts."

Máiría Cahill - one of the three alleged rape victims whose cases linked to an IRA cover-up collapsed, leading to Sir Keir's investigation - welcomed the further progress.

"If this further report means nobody else has to go through anything like that again then that is a positive thing," she said.

"The PPS and police conduct has been investigated and reports written, but we went through years of adjournments and delays and the one element which has still to be addressed is the need for training for the judiciary.

"They need training in dealing with victims of rape and sexual abuse," she said.