Fine Gael called today for the Witness Protection Programme to be put on a statutory basis in the face of criticisms of the gardaí's role in the Gilligan case.
The party's spokesman on justice, Mr Alan Shatter, said that such a move would be in the public interest and to maintain the programme as a non-statutory informal scheme may endanger further prosecutions.
"It is essential that clear rules and guidelines are prescribed for the future operation of the programme which specify the records that must be maintained, of contacts and communications between members of the gardaí and those afforded protection under the programme," Mr Shatter said.
"It is important that Government action is immediately taken to address the difficulties which occurred in the operation of the Witness Protection Programme as detailed by the Special Criminal Court in the considered judgement delivered by it yesterday."
Assistant Garda Commissioner Mr Tony Hickey, who led the Garda team, defended the use of the three accomplice witnesses and the State's witness protection scheme yesterday.
He said the Garda would study the judgement and learn from it. However "the use of co-operative accomplices is one of the most important and effective means of fighting organised crime gangs".