Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 3

Written Answers. - Garda Operations.

Michael Bell

Question:

54 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Garda inquiry into the circumstances of the shooting dead of a person (details supplied) at Abbeylara, County Longford, on 20 April 2000 has been completed; if he has received a copy of the report; the plans he has to publish the report; the new guidelines being issued to gardaí to ensure that such situations are in the future resolved without the loss of life; the investigation which has been held into the leaking of parts of the report of the Garda investigation to the media; if those responsible for leaking the report have been identified; the action being taken as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20155/00]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

149 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he proposes to publish the findings of the inquiry into the Abbeylara siege; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21006/00]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

150 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he issued any specific instructions to gardaí dealing with siege situations since or before the Abbeylara siege; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21007/00]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 54, 149 and 150 together.

The inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of a person at Abbeylara, County Longford has been completed and I have received a report from the Garda Commissioner in the matter.

The Deputies will be aware that I have agreed that the findings of the Garda inquiry should be referred to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights for its consideration and, in this regard, I will very shortly lay the necessary motions before both Houses. It will then be a matter for the committee to consider if the report should be published.

In so far as the matter of guidelines for dealing with such situations is concerned, this is an operational matter. I am advised by the Garda authorities that a review of procedures is currently being undertaken. I am also advised by them that the investigation into the suspected leaking of parts of the report is ongoing.