Vol. 523 No. 3
21 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number and status of investigations being conducted into alleged Garda irregularities in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20336/00]
I have dealt with this matter in some detail in my reply to earlier questions.
As I have previously said, the commissioner appointed Assistant Commissioner Carty to examine the handling of the original investigation carried out into the death of Mr. Richard Barron. As the assistant commissioner's investigation proceeded, other matters came into the scope of his investigation.
The investigation initiated by the commissioner turned out to be extremely complex and involved a number of different strands. The assistant commissioner has recently completed his investigation and a file in the matter was forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions whose directions are now awaited.
In addition to the investigation carried out by Assistant Commissioner Carty, the commissioner has appointed Assistant Commissioner Murphy to investigate allegations received through members of this House.
He has also appointed a chief superintendent to investigate a related matter raised by a member of the Garda Síochána in Donegal concerning the original investigation.
The question of the alleged tapping of phones has also been raised. In this regard, I am informed by the Garda authorities that they have been in contact with the solicitors in question requesting clarification on a number of matters. I understand that a reply to this correspondence is awaited.
