Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Feb 2000

Vol. 513 No. 6

Written Answers. - Garda Investigations.

John Perry

Question:

389 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason persons (details supplied) in County Leitrim have been brought through the courts on up to 20 occasions when their son has been educated in a happy home environment; the reason no investigations have taken place following allegations of abuse by the authorities; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that they feel that the School Attendants Acts, 1926 to 1967, are being used to prevent them speaking out on the abuse by the authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3208/00]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the family to whom the question refers have been prosecuted three times for breaches of the Schools Attendance Act, 1923. While the family have attended court on approximately 20 occasions, I understand that this was due to a number of adjournments in the case, sometimes at the request of the defence.

I am assured by the Garda authorities that the allegation of abuse made was investigated, and that a file was forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who directed that no prosecution be taken.