Vol. 462 No. 1
93 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Justice the standard procedures operated when her office or the office of the Minister(s) of State at her Department receives an anonymous letter; and if she has satisfied herself with the procedures that currently operate. [4105/96]
The procedures followed for dealing with an anonymous letter addressed to me or to the Ministers of State at my Department or to any division-office of my Department would depend on its content and subject matter.
If the letter contained information or an allegation which could have substance, the matter would be investigated. Of course, in considering what action, if any, might be appropriate following the investigation, it would be necessary to take account of the anonymous origin of the letter.
If a letter contained information about an alleged crime, or a threat or risk to an individual, the matter would be referred to the Garda Síochána for their attention. On the other hand, if the letter is merely abusive or vexatious, no action is taken on it.
The present procedures appear to me to be satisfactory.
