asked the Minister for Justice if the Garda inquiry into the shooting some months ago of a person (name supplied) in County Meath has yet been completed; and, if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meath Shooting.
14.
A Garda report on this matter has been submitted to the Attorney General, and, apart from dealing with any queries the Attorney General may have to raise on that report, the Garda will have no further function in the matter. Accordingly, the question of my making a statement about it does not arise.
Is the Minister aware that on a previous occasion some three weeks ago there was a question addressed to the Minister for Defence asking him for a statement on the outcome of his inquiry. He could not and probably should not have given any statement on the matter until such time as the Garda investigation had been reported on. I was told it would take a fortnight. Three weeks have elapsed. It has been reported. The Minister for Justice now tells us he does not feel that he should intervene in the matter.
For the very good reason, as I said in my reply, that the report has been sent to the Attorney General and it would be improper for me to say anything more about it. It has gone from my hands in so far as I am responsible for the Garda Síochána. It is now a matter for the law officer who will make a decision on it. I do not come into that end of it at all.
The Minister may not comment on it for the reason that the papers have gone to the Attorney General with the intention of a prosecution of a person or persons unknown.
Papers do not go to the Attorney General with the intention of a prosecution or otherwise. It is entirely up to the Attorney General. The papers are referred to the Attorney General with a factual statement of events so that he can make up his mind as to the law applicable to a particular set of circumstances.
There must be something in it.
It does not follow at all.