Garda Investigations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 October 2012

Tuesday, 2 October 2012

Questions (427)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

427. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to an allegation of anti-Semitic intimidation which was conducted on Twitter (details supplied) and has generated huge interest internationally; the steps, if any, the Gardaí have taken to deal with those allegations when the person in question raised the matters with them; his views on whether the Gardaí investigated the allegations thoroughly; if any new legislation is planned to address the growing problem of online abuse, bullying and harassment which is frequently conducted through social media; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41899/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am familiar with reports referred to by the Deputy. An Garda Síochána investigates as appropriate all allegations of harassment or other criminality which may be reported to them. I have requested a report from the Garda Commissioner in relation to the particular circumstances referred to by the Deputy and I will contact the Deputy directly when the report is to hand.