Vol. 344 No. 9
asked the Minister for Justice if the Garda fraud squad has yet completed its investigations into allegations of fraudulent practices which have been made against officers of a company (details supplied); if the papers in the case have been referred to the Direcpan tor of Public Prosecutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
48.
asked the Minister for Justice if the Garda have initiated investigations into the collapse of a firm (details supplied) in County Roscommon.
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 48 together.
It is not the practice for Ministers for Justice to disclose publicly whether individual cases are or are not under investigation by the gardaí. I have no function in relation to the institution or non-institution of criminal proceedings and, save in exceptional circumstances, I would regard it as inappropriate and unwarranted for me to disclose information as to the possibility of criminal proceedings being taken against and identifiable person or company.
In cases such as these, it is open to a complainant or any other person with a bona fide interest to write to the Garda Síochána and ask for information privately and I have no doubt that any information that may properly be supplied will in fact be supplied.
