asked the Minister for Justice whether he will make available to the family of the late Patrick Leonard, Pettigo, County Donegal, copies of all statements relating to his death now in the hands of the Garda.
172.
Written Answers. - Availability of Statements.
171.
asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that the Garda in Pettigo took statements from several people in connection with the Leonard shooting which took place near Beleek on the 17th May; and if he will state the purpose of this and the action he intends taking about this incident.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 172 together.
The statements were taken in the course of routine Garda inquiries. It would not be in accordance with normal practice for the Garda to furnish copies of the statements to members of the public. There is no action open to me in relation to this tragic death. I would refer the Deputy to the reply given by the Minister for Foreign Affairs today to other questions on the same subject.