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Crime and informants

A troubling proposal

Letters to the Editor. Illustration: Paul Scott
The Irish Times - Letters to the Editor.

Sir, – I’m appalled that the Garda Síochána Inspectorate is proposing to allow some criminals commit crimes in exchange for information on gangland activities (“Garda Inspectorate recommends some gangland informants be allowed to commit crimes”, News, November 6th). I had expected an outcry, hence my delay in writing this letter.

It is unethical to condone crime, no matter how petty, in order to catch someone committing a more serious crime. To allow this proposal to proceed would be the thin end of the wedge, and I absolutely oppose it. In any event, any crime committed has a victim, so if this proposal were to proceed, it would be State approval of the negative effect on the victim of the crime, no matter how petty. – Yours, etc,

BRENDAN MURPHY,

Sandycove,

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Co Dublin.