Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 April 2012
944 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will confirm the date that An Garda Síochána commenced their investigation into the fraud at the National Education Welfare Board; and the date on which An Garda Síochána sent a file concerning the case to the Director of Public Prosecutions [17746/12]
View answer1036 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will confirm the date on which An Garda Síochána commenced their investigation into the fraud at the National Education Welfare Board, and the date on which An Garda Síochána sent a file regarding the case to the Director of Public Prosecutions. [19363/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 944 and 1036 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that this complaint was originally received at the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation (GBFI) in May, 2006. The Deputy will be aware from a previous reply that the Garda investigation was a lengthy process due to the complex nature of the investigation which required examination and analysis of a significant volume of information technology data and communications. In particular I am informed that progress in the investigation was hampered because of the unavailability of a person the Gardaí wished to interview. I am further informed that an investigation file was submitted to the Law Officers on 27 January, 2011. Following a number of further enquiries by that office, directions were issued on 2 November, 2011 not to prosecute.
