asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of a statement (details supplied) that there are two files available on the ill-treatment of prisoners in custody.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ill-Treatment of Prisoners.
9.
I am aware of the statement and, as it was seriously misleading—particularly in so far as it implied that two files containing allegations by identified persons against named members of the Garda have been available to me or to the Garda authorities—I found it necessary to issue a statement on 27 March pointing out that no such file has been or is available either to me or to the Garda authorities.
In view of the statement made, has a request been made by the Minister that such files be presented to him, if such files are in existence? Has the Minister ascertained the whereabouts of the files, in whose possession they are and why he should not have access to them?
Neither I nor the Garda authorities have been given any files. On a number of occasions I said I would welcome any files but I have not been given any and, therefore, I do not know what is in them.
Would the Minister make an attempt to obtain the files by way of a formal request?
If there are such files I should welcome them.
Is the Minister prepared to make a formal request for them?
I can ask for them.
That would settle the matter once and for all.