asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware of the public disquiet at the failure of the Garda Síochána to prevent two children, who were kidnapped in Dublin, from being openly taken to Belfast, and, if so, if he will make a statement in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kidnapped Children.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative.
The commissioner is making a thorough investigation with a view to establishing how it was that the measures taken by the police were not effective for the purpose and I am satisfied that he will take appropriate action if, as a result of this investigation, it appears that there are any defects in the existing arrangements for dealing with contingencies of the kind or that there has been any dereliction of duty on the part of individual members of the force.
Will the Minister say if the findings of that inquiry, and the action taken on them, will be made public so as to reassure the public on the matter?
I can appreciate the Deputy's anxiety, which is shared, I think, by every member of this House. When I receive the report and the matter has been considered and the officers concerned have had an opportunity of defending themselves by way of sworn evidence, I will give the Deputy an opportunity of raising the matter again in this House.