Vol. 535 No. 1
509 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received the reports he sought arising from claims that a number of senior gardaí had accepted holidays and hospitality from a major supplier of tyres (details supplied) to the Garda Síochána; the steps he intends to take as a result of the inquiries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11534/01]
A newspaper article published on Sunday, 11 February 2001 alleged that members of the Garda Síochána and a civilian employee at Garda headquarters had participated in trips abroad paid for by a company which supplies tyres to the Garda Síochána. On 13 February 2001, I advised the House that the Garda Commissioner had asked a chief superintendent to look at the allegations. I also advised the House that I was of the view that the matter warranted an external examination and that the Secretary General of my Department, in his capacity as Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote, had instructed the internal audit unit of the Department to examine the matter.
The matter subsequently became the subject of a criminal investigation and I have been informed that the chief superintendent appointed by the Garda Commissioner has completed a full investigation file into the matters alleged and a copy has been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions for his consideration. His directions are awaited.
