Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Oct 1999

Vol. 509 No. 1

Written Answers. - Garda Arrests.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

312 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the serious concern expressed by a wide range of groups and individuals regarding the circumstances of the arrest of a person (details supplied), a native of the Congo, at his home in Drimnagh on 1 May 1998; when the Garda Complaints Board will deal with a complaint made by him regarding the circumstances of his arrest and treatment by the gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19964/99]

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

I understand from the Garda authorities that the person referred to in the Deputy's question is currently before the courts and is set down for hearing in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 28 February 2000. As the matter is sub judice, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.

The Garda Síochána Complaints Board is the statutory, independent body responsible for the investigation and adjudication of complaints in relation to Garda conduct and, as such, I cannot intervene in or query the board in the processing of any individual complaint.