Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 December 2004
223 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the situation with respect to the investigation into illegal dumping in County Wicklow; the files that have been sent to the DPP; if any of these have been decided upon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33837/04]
View answerI have made inquiries with the Garda authorities in regard to this matter. I am informed that the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation and other members of the Garda Síochána, along with representatives from Wicklow County Council, have been engaged in investigations into illegal dumping at various sites in County Wicklow. I am further informed that a number of files have been submitted by the Garda Síochána to the law officers, charges have been preferred in respect of a number of cases, and directions are awaited in a number of other cases.
As the Deputy will appreciate, I have no role in the investigation or prosecution of cases. This is a long standing principle of our system of justice. The role of the gardaí is to investigate alleged offences, to gather whatever evidence may be available and to submit a report to the Director of Public Prosecutions. The question of whether or not a particular person should be prosecuted and for what criminal offence is the responsibility of the DPP. The director is independent in the performance of his functions. The Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this stage.
