Vol. 575 No. 3
85 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the investigation which has been held into the hoax bomb incident at the home of a person (details supplied); if security for the person had been withdrawn shortly before this incident; the basis for such a withdrawal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28234/03]
317 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extent to which his attention has been drawn to the intimidation of journalists by the criminal fraternity; the action or actions he plans to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28412/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 317 together.
With respect to the hoax incident in question, I am advised by the Garda authorities that a full and thorough investigation is ongoing under the direction of a senior Garda officer. The Deputies will appreciate that security arrangements relating to the protection of the person in question, which are a matter for decision by the Garda authorities are, for operational reasons, confidential and cannot be disclosed. The Garda authorities have also advised me that all reports of intimidation of journalists or of any other individuals are fully investigated and that where sufficient evidence is gathered to merit a prosecution this course of action would be followed.
