Vol. 509 No. 1
103 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress, if any, made in regard to the investigation being carried out by senior gardaí into allegations of serious wrongdoing by members of An Garda Síochána in County Donegal; when the investigations will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19725/99]
I dealt with this matter at some length in my reply to a priority question on 5 May last. I then outlined that the allegations referred to by the Deputy related to the method of investigation of crime, including an allegation that bomb making material had been planted so the Garda could claim credit for it.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that investigations led by an assistant commissioner into all aspects of the allegations are continuing. This is a very complex investigation and extensive inquiries remain to be carried out. However, I am assured by the Garda authorities that every effort is being made to bring all the matters currently under investigation to a conclusion. If appropriate, criminal prosecutions and disciplinary action will ensue.
The House will appreciate that there are obvious constraints on what I can say on the matter while the investigation is continuing. I must also have regard to the fact that matters at issue are the subject of civil actions, and complaints made to the Garda Complaints Board are also being investigated.
The Garda authorities have further informed me that arising from facts established to date the Commissioner decided to suspend a member from duty. The member remains suspended and a file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
