Vol. 426 No. 2
9 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Justice the discussions if any, she has had with the Garda authorities in relation to the payment of protection money to well-known Dublin criminal gangs; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
41 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Justice if, under the Bankers Books Evidence Act, she will have the Garda carry out a complete investigation into the financial circumstances of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6.
I propose to take Priority Question No. 9 and oral Question No. 41 together.
It is not the practice for Ministers for Justice to make statements to the House about specific Garda operations except in singular instances where the circumstances are so exceptional that such a course is deemed to be appropriate. All I propose to say is that all allegations of the existence of protection rackets are investigated and prosecutions are taken in consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions where evidence exists to warrant such a course. I can assure the House that no effort is being spared by the gardaí in dealing with these matters. I cannot however go into detail concerning Garda activities as Garda efforts might well be adversely affected were I to do so.
