Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Jul 1996

Vol. 467 No. 7

Written Answers. - Garda Complaints Procedure.

Liz O'Donnell

Question:

268 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Justice the procedures, if any, that exist when, following the making of a complaint to gardaí or during the course of a Garda investigation, files go missing, files are not activated or progressed thereby causing a delay in the investigation and consequent distress to victims; the number of such matters that have been brought to her attention, to the attention of her Department or to the attention of the Garda Commissioner in each of the past two years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14227/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that failure on the part of gardaí to exercise due care as regards the investigation of a complaint may result in the members concerned being made the subjects of disciplinary procedure and or criminal investigations.

I understand that five complaints regarding the handling of criminal investigations have been received by the Garda authorities since 1994. In addition, a number of complaints have been received in relation to traffic cases.