Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 6 Dec 2001

Vol. 546 No. 1

Written Answers. - Garda Investigations.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

165 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if further to Parliamentary Question No. 155 of 15 February 2001, he will report on the progress of proceedings against six persons accused of physical and sexual abuse in a home (details supplied) in County Galway; the reasons for the delays to date in 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31287/01]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the position with regard to the six persons referred to in the Deputy's question is as follows:

1.A trial date of 19 February 2002, has been set.

2.A trial date of 4 March 2002, has been set.

3.A trial date of 8 April 2002, has been set.

Each of the above cases are due for mention on 21 January 2002, in the Central Criminal Court where matters of further discovery will be argued.

4. This case was dealt with at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 27 July 2001. A sentence of 12 months imprisonment was imposed. This sentence is currently under appeal. The subject is due before Galway Circuit Criminal Court on 17 December 2001, in relation to charges of assault causing actual harm, which relate to his involvement with the institution in question.

5. At Galway Circuit Criminal Court on 4 December 2001, proceedings in this case were further adjourned to 13 December 2001, for further discovery of documents.

6. A bench warrant is still in existence for this individual and inquiries in this regard are continuing. With regard to the rate of progress in each case, the Deputy will appreciate that this is entirely a matter for the courts, and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on this aspect.