Vol. 549 No. 2
36 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made by the Garda investigation into the financial activities of a number of groups suspected of having links to the bin Laden organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6072/02]
Following the attacks in the United States on 11 September 2001 the Garda Síochána substantially increased its monitoring of suspects living here thought to have links with Osama bin Laden or the al Qaeda organisation.
In line with the UN Security Council Resolution of 28 September 2001, and the conclusions of the Justice and Home Affairs and the European Councils, particular attention has been given by the Garda authorities to the financing of terrorism in the continuing investigation into any possible links with Osama bin Laden or the al Qaeda organisation within this jurisdiction. This is an ongoing operational matter. Therefore, the Deputy will understand that it would be counter productive to comment in any further detail.
37 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied that the procedures in dealing with criminal investigation here, including procedures at crime scenes, compilation of evidence and closure of investigation, are in line with procedures followed in other jurisdictions, having particular regard to the need to achieve best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6100/02]
As I have repeatedly informed the House, the investigation of criminal offences is an operational matter for the Garda Síochána. I am assured by the Garda authorities that all criminal investigations are conducted by An Garda Síochána in accordance with best practices and standing procedures. Those procedures have been set down for a considerable time and relate to crime scenes and the evidence gathering process. The compiled evidence is then forwarded to the law officers for directions as to criminal proceedings or otherwise.
