The family of Russell Warren, who has agreed to give evidence about the murder of Veronica Guerin in return for immunity from a murder prosecution, will remain under Garda protection for as long as is required, according to senior gardai.
Last week, the Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue, made clear that whatever funds were necessary for the Witness Protection Scheme would be provided by Government.
The Government agreed recently that the scheme was a major tool in the war against organised crime. It is understood that up to £3 million is immediately available and the annual budget for the scheme can be expanded as needed.
The money is to be allocated directly by the Garda Commissioner. This means that he does not have to wait for funds to be processed through the Civil Service structure.
Warren's family have received round-the-clock protection at their home since earlier this year when it emerged that he had begun giving information to the gardai.
There are two other "accomplice witnesses" in the case and they are also receiving protection. The wife and children and mistress of Charles Bowden are also receiving protection under the scheme. One of the central figures under investigation in the murder case is known to have issued a direct threat to Bowden and the house in north Dublin he was sharing with his mistress was burned down.
The third protection operation surrounds a man in Cork who is also giving evidence about the core drug smuggling activities of the gang which murdered the journalist. During the investigation the investigating team found that a very high percentage of the 250 or so people they arrested and questioned in relation to the murder were prepared to give information but almost all were afraid of retribution if they actually gave evidence in court.
At the start of this year, senior gardai realised some form of protection was needed for their key witnesses. Irregular protection by local detectives was replaced by a more structured scheme when Bowden's home was burned down. Last week, the Minister for Justice revealed the issue had been discussed by Government and that he was ensuring that a formal witness protection scheme would be put in place and properly financed.