Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Jul 1996

Vol. 467 No. 7

Written Answers. - Garda Child Abuse Investigation.

Liz O'Donnell

Question:

263 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Justice, in relation to the Garda statement of 21 June 1996, that the Garda investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse in Monageer was inadequate, whether she or her Department was made aware of this prior to the publication of the Garda statement; whether any member of the Garda has been transferred, suspended or otherwise disciplined in view of the findings of the report into the investigation; whether counsel has been instructed on behalf of a Garda member, the Garda force or by her; whether a file on the abuse allegations went to the Office of the DPP at any time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14141/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

My Department was made aware of the conclusions of the Garda investigation into the handling of the investigations referred to by the Deputy at the time the Garda statement was ready to issue. The file on the abuse allegations was not submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions. No member of the Garda Síochána has been transferred, suspended or otherwise disciplined arising from the investigation. Neither my Department nor the Garda authorities have any information on members of the Force instructing counsel on the matter.

As regards publication of the report, I have sought legal advice from the Attorney General.