asked the Minister for Justice the estimated cost to the State of serving warrants for the arrests of three people in Cong, County Mayo recently in respect of breaches of existing rod licence regulations; the estimated costs involved in transporting these people to Ballinrobe and from there to Kinnegad from where a return journey took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Rod Licence Regulations Breaches.
86.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the extra cost to the Garda Síochána Vote arising from the execution of the warrants in question came to £260, comprising overtime, subsistence and the cost of vehicle hire.
87.
asked the Minister for Justice the investigations which have taken place into an incident which occurred at the Cong fish hatchery, County Mayo on 1 April 1988 which resulted in the loss of 80,000 salmon smolts at a value of £120,000; whether such investigations have been completed; if any prosecutions are envisaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It is not the practice for Ministers for Justice to give detailed information to the House about specific Garda investigations except in singular instances where the circumstances of an investigation, or some particular aspect of it, are so exceptional that such a course is deemed to be appropriate. I do not consider that any departure from the normal practice is warranted in this case other than to say that the Garda authorities have informed me that they have conducted a thorough investigation into the incident.
They have informed me too that no evidence has as yet been found to warrant a prosecution in this case. The investigation is continuing.