asked the Minister for Justice whether the inquiry into the circumstances relating to the reason the book of evidence relating to George Ireland was not prepared and available and served on the said George Ireland or his legal advisers prior to his release by the District Court on 28 July, 1986 has been completed; the results of this inquiry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - George Ireland Case.
91.
I assume that the inquiry which the Deputy is referring to is the formal inquiry in this case which was carried out under the Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations, 1971.
As I already indicated in reply to a question on 18 June, the Garda authorities decided to hold a sworn inquiry under the Discipline Regulations into alleged specific breaches of discipline relating to the investigation of this case. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the disciplinary proceedings have now been completed. I want to make it clear that, under the terms of the discipline regulations, the conduct of disciplinary proceedings is a matter for the Garda authorities and it is not the practice for these authorities to disclose publicly the outcome of such proceedings.
The enforcement of discipline within the force is a matter for the Garda authorities and, except in cases involving dismissal which in certain circumstances require my consent, I have no function in the matter.