NNI met with the Garda Commissioner and representatives this morning.

The exchance of views centred on two matters, namely the manner in which Jean Treacy was afforded access to the court, and secondly the taking of photographs of those accused and those convicted.

The Commissioner re-iterated his position, as per his statement of last week, that the decision to allow Jean Treacy enter and leave the court in secret was an operational decision taken by senior staff investigating the case, and one he fully supported. The Commissioner stressed that this was not designed to prevent media getting a photograph of the witness. He acknowledged however that this was a consequence.

He confirmed that this case was very much the exception, it was an operational decision that he could not see happening with any regularity.

On the matter of the difficulties for photographers in gaining access to accused and convicted persons in the new courts complex, the Commissioner noted that NNI was now bringing this matter to his attention. NNI asked if the Gardai could supply photographs of those convicted. The Commissioner acknowledged that he was open to discussion on the matter though advised that this was a complex issue involving other stakeholders also.

In welcoming the positive exchange of views at the meeting, Frank Cullen, on  behalf of NNI, said, ‘we look forward to working with the Commissioner and other stakeholders to ensure that the media can continue to fulfil its established right of identifying those convicted of serious crimes against society.’