Vol. 541 No. 2
932 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position concerning the various investigations into allegations of Garda misconduct in the Donegal area; the reason such investigations have not been completed; and when it is anticipated he will be in a position to inform Dáil Éireann of the outcome of the investigations. [22280/01]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, following the investigation carried out by Assistant Commissioner Carty, a file in the matter has been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions. To date, five persons have been arrested and charged. Any further action will be subject to the directions of the DPP. As Deputies will appreciate, the director is independent in the exercise of his functions and, as such, it would not be appropriate for me, as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, to make any comment in relation to this aspect of the matter.
Separate from the investigation carried out by Assistant Commissioner Carty, the commissioner has initiated other inquiries into suspected misconduct by a number of members of the Garda Síochána in the Donegal division. I have been assured by the Garda authorities that, while every effort is being made to conclude these enquiries expeditiously, it is not possible at this stage to indicate when they will be completed.
Question No. 933 answered with Question No. 130.
