Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 29 Feb 2000

Vol. 515 No. 3

Written Answers. - Garda Investigations.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

284 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself that the gardaí have conducted a full investigation into an incident involving the discharge of a firearm by a person (details supplied) in County Donegal including the background to the incident, previous threatening behaviour and the history between the parties and that the file sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions, including any recommendations made as to charges, adequately reflects the seriousness of the matter. [5795/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

As the Deputy is aware it is not the practice of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to comment on individual Garda investigations save in the most exceptional of circumstances. I should also point out to the Deputy that I have no responsibility for the prosecution of offences. Furthermore, as the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is independent in operational matters and Garda investigations are not carried out under the aegis of my Department or any other Department of State.

All I propose to say in this case is that the matter has been the subject of a detailed Garda investigation and that an individual is facing a number of charges. As the case is currently before the courts the Deputy will understand that it would be inappropriate for me to comment further.