Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 January 2014
504. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will investigate the case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary in relation to a complaint of the handling of an alleged theft of State property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2462/14]
View answerThe person referred to in the Deputy's question has also recently written to other members of the House, myself included, in relation to this matter, which relates to a decision not to initiate a prosecution against a third party and a related complaint to the Garda Ombudsman Commission.
As the Deputy is aware I have no role in the investigation, prosecution or trial into alleged offences. The role of An Garda Síochána is to investigate alleged offences and to submit a report to the DPP. The question of whether or not a particular person should be prosecuted and for what criminal offence is the responsibility of the DPP, who is independent in the performance of her functions. Nor have i any functions in relation to the investigation by the independent Garda Ombudsman Commission of complaints made to it.
Some of the issues raised in the correspondence are also the subject of civil proceedings initiated by the person concerned in which the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána and myself are respondents. The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot therefore comment further on these matters.
