Vol. 466 No. 4
217 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Justice whether the Chairman of the Committee of Public Accounts requested the Garda Commissioner in March 1992 to investigate allegations regarding special schools for young offenders; the action, if any, the Garda took on foot of this request; whether they consulted with the Department of Education or the Department of Finance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11438/96]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Chairman of the Committee of Public Accounts asked the Garda Commissioner in 1992 to investigate certain allegations regarding two schools.
In relation to allegations of physical and sexual abuse and alleged financial irregularities at one of the schools, a file was referred by the Garda, on completion of its inquiries, to the Director of Public Prosecutions who directed that there be no prosecution.
In relation to the other school, a detailed Garda investigation into alleged fraud failed to disclose any primary evidence to support a criminal charge.
The Garda consulted with the Department of Education and the Comptroller and Auditor General in the course of its investigations.
