Vol. 523 No. 3
47 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has met with or had any communications with the Garda Commissioner relating to the transfer of five members of An Garda Síochána to new duties following receipt by the Commissioner of the McBrearty report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19300/00]
52 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will confirm that gardaí have been transferred from the Letterkenny Garda Division in the context of the investigation into alleged Garda irregularities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20337/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 52 together.
As the Deputies will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the control and direction of the Garda Síochána, including the issue of transfers. As Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, I have no function in transfers within the Garda Síochána.
As regards the transfer of members of the Garda Síochána in the Donegal division, I am informed by the Garda authorities that, when the Commissioner received the report of the Assistant Commissioner on the allegations in question, he decided, in the best interests of the public and the Garda Síochána, to transfer a number of personnel. This is a matter of public knowledge and there is nothing further I can usefully add.
