Vol. 539 No. 3
182 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in the case of allegations of abuse, his Department or the Garda have knowledge of false claims arising from investigations of alleged abuse which are to be the subject of a compensation tribunal. [19532/01]
183 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has any knowledge of at least one individual advising a former resident of an institution that it is necessary to allege sexual misconduct to secure compensation at the proposed tribunal; and if any such cases were investigated by the Garda. [19534/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 183 together.
Neither my Department nor the Garda authorities are aware of the claims referred to by the Deputy in his first question. With regard to the Deputy's second question, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda is aware of one instance where a former resident of an institution was advised that it would be necessary to allege sexual misconduct to secure compensation. The matter was investigated and a file was submitted to the DPP, arising from the fact that an alleged malicious complaint had been made. I understand that the DPP directed that there should be no prosecution in this regard.
