Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 Feb 1996

Vol. 462 No. 1

Written Answers. - Anonymous Letters.

Dermot Ahern

Question:

113 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Social Welfare the standard procedures operated when his office or the office of the Minister(s) of State at his Department receive an anonymous letter; and if he has satisfied himself with the procedures that currently operate. [4091/96]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

A wide range of anonymous letters are received in my office and that of the Minister of State. Because of the diverse nature and contents of these letters, it is not possible to have standard procedures for dealing with all such letters.

However, by far the largest proportion of such letters contain allegations against individuals and groups receiving moneys from my Department. The procedures adopted in such cases are the same as the procedures which operate throughout my Department when anonymous allegations are received.

In such cases, the matter is referred to the relevant section of the Department for investigation. In some cases the subjects of anonymous reports cannot be traced. If the person or organisation can be traced and a payment is being made to them, the matter is then referred to an inspector for investigation.

Inspectors may use the information in the letter as a pointer to the inquiries they will make. If there is no substance in the allegation no further action is taken. If the allegation can be substantiated the matter is referred to a deciding officer to take whatever action is considered necessary. In the interests of natural justice, instructions have been given that reports to deciding officers should not contain references to information provided by any persons who are unwilling to be quoted or to attend an appeal hearing if requested. I am satisfied that the procedures in operation in my Department in such cases are fair and equitable to all.

Other types of anonymous letters would be dealt with on a case by case basis. Where such letters contain allegations against persons or organisations and where the subject matter of those allegations is outside my area of responsibility and that of the Minister of State, the matter would normally be referred to the relevant Government Minister and/or the appropriate authorities for their attention.

Dermot Ahern

Question:

114 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the standard procedures operated when his office or the office of the Minister(s) of State at his Department receive an anonymous letter; and if he has satisfied himself with the procedures that currently operate. [4092/96]

Minister for Tourism and Trade (Mr. E. Kenny)

Any anonymous letters received in my office are brought to my personal attention so that I can decide whether any further action is warranted. The same procedure applies in the Minister of State's office.