Vol. 443 No. 8
36 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for Justice if she will establish the circumstances in which the media's attention was drawn to the timing of Garda action in relation to searches of business premises in connection with recent raids by the anti-terrorist unit and the possible defamation of innocent persons that could occur if charges are not preferred.
I am presuming that the Deputy is referring to a number of searches carried out at addresses in Dublin and Dundalk on 19 April last by the Garda Anti-Racketeering Unit. All of the searches in question were properly carried out on foot of warrants issued in accordance with the provisions of section 29 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939 and the Garda investigation into matters arising from those searches is continuing.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that an internal investigation is being conducted to establish how the media were alerted to this particular Garda opertion. That investigation has yet to be completed and, in the circumstances, I do not consider that any further comment would be appropriate.
