Vol. 519 No. 5
300 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on the proceedings against six persons accused of physical and sexual abuse in a residential home (details supplied) in County Galway; the status of the proceedings in each case; if he will further report on any deferrals of hearings in this regard; the reason for such deferrals in each instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14354/00]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the position with regard to the six persons referred to in the Deputy's question is as follows: This case was listed for hearing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 8 of February 2000. On that date the case was adjourned further to an unspecified date for trial, and listed for mention on 29 May 2000. There are two files in this case. On 16 November 1999 at Galway District Court, the second suspect was sent forward to trial to Galway Circuit Court on 15 February, 2000. On that date the case was adjourned again to 3 May 2000, when it was further adjourned to the October sitting. On 16 November 1999 at Galway District Court, the third suspect was sent forward to trial on 15 February 2000. On that date the case was transferred to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, on 22 June 2000. On 28 February 2000, the fourth suspect was sent forward for trial to Galway Circuit Court on 3 May 2000. The case has been transferred to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court and a trial date is awaited. This case was adjourned on a number of occasions before 9 September 1998, when a bench warrant was issued in the District Court for the arrest of the accused due to this person's non-appearance in court. The bench warrant has not been executed, as the suspect underwent a serious medical operation in 1997. I understand that the gardaí are currently awaiting medical reports regarding this person's health and capacity for attending court. The trial of the sixth suspect was fixed for 20 March 2000 at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. On that date the case was further adjourned to 11 July, 2000. I understand that the defence are requesting a further adjournment today.
As the Deputy will be aware, the decision to adjourn cases is a judicial function and entirely a matter for the presiding judge in each case.
