Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 4

Written Answers - Garda Investigations.

Joe Higgins

Question:

249 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the files or papers relating to the murder of a garda (details supplied) while on duty at Arran Quay, Dublin on 3 April 1970, which have been released through the National Archives or under the 30 year rule; if any records have been withheld; if so, the reason in each case; and if he will agree to release all relevant and related papers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12898/01]

Joe Higgins

Question:

250 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he supports the call by members of the family of a garda (details supplied) to include the circumstances and follow-up to his murder while on duty at Arran Quay, Dublin on 3 April 1970 within the terms of reference of any process of inquiry into the Arms Trial; and the extent to which he has included and will include this case in his consideration of the relevant events. [12899/01]

Joe Higgins

Question:

251 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures which were taken by his Department and the Garda authorities to preserve forensic evidence in the case of the murder of a garda (details supplied) while on duty at Arran Quay, Dublin on 3 April 1970; the measures which have been taken since the commission of that crime to compare this evidence with that from other crimes involving firearms in order to determine the identity and source of the weapon or weapons used or in an effort to identify the perpetrators; the outcome or findings of these measures; when the investigation of this case was concluded; the person or persons whose decision it was to conclude the investigation; the authority vested in that person or persons to make such a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12900/01]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 249 to 251, inclusive, together.

The Department's papers relating to the murder of the garda in question have not been released to the National Archives and the appropriate retention certificate under section 8(4) of the National Archives Act, 1986, was made by an official of my Department and consented to by the Department of the Taoiseach. As regards the Arms Trial, the inquiries which I am undertaking relate to the issues raised recently on the "Prime Time" television programme and I do not propose at this stage to widen the scope of these inquiries. I hope to report on these inquiries shortly.

As regards the final question from the Deputy, I am advised by the Garda authorities that, in the time available, they have been unable to complete their examination of their files in this matter. I will write to the Deputy as soon as the information requested becomes available.