Gardaí have confirmed they have sent letters to offenders apologising for failing to progress their prosecutions in a move described by a former state solicitor as "political correctness gone mad". However, it’s emerged Garda letters of apology have also been sent to some offenders, including for precluding the offenders from availing of supports aimed at their rehabilitation. Michael Murray, a respected lawyer in Limerick who served as State Solicitor for the city from 1980-2017, has criticised the measure as “political correctness gone mad”. Gardaí confirmed the letters included a helpline for offenders should they have wanted to access available support services. When asked how many letters had been sent to offenders, a Garda spokesman replied: “Work in this area is still ongoing.

Source: Irish Examiner October 30, 2019 14:26 UTC