Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 May 1998

Vol. 491 No. 2

Written Answers. - Garda Investigations.

Paul Bradford

Question:

7 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a Garda report on alleged interference with the property and telephones of two RTE journalists (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11424/98]

Andrew Boylan

Question:

18 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a Garda report on alleged interference with the property and telephones of two RTE journalists (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11429/98]

Liam Burke

Question:

28 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a Garda report on alleged interference with the property and telephones of two RTE journalists (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11427/98]

Richard Bruton

Question:

41 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a Garda report on alleged interference with the property and telephones of two RTE journalists (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11426/98]

Donal Carey

Question:

45 Mr. D. Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a Garda report on alleged interference with the property and telephones of two RTE journalists (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11428/98]

John Browne

Question:

69 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a Garda report on alleged interference with the property and telephones of two RTE journalists (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11425/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7, 18, 28, 41, 45 and 69 together.

As I indicated in response to media queries, the Garda Commissioner ordered an investigation into alleged surveillance of two journalists employed by RTE. Subsequently, a further allegation of possible interference with the car of one of the journalists was made.

I am informed by the Commissioner that as part of this investigation a senior Garda officer interviewed both journalists.

Neither journalist was able to provide direct evidence of surveillance taking place but stated that a member of the Garda Síochána had said that there was the possibility of surveillance taking place and advised of certain precautions which might be taken. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda advice concerned the possibility of surveillance.

The Garda investigation in regard to these allegations of surveillance, etc., remains open but, so far, no evidence has come to light which would enable the Garda to submit a file to the DPP seeking directions for a prosecution.