Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 April 2014
423. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the recording of calls at a Garda station (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16119/14]
View answer440. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the Garda working group on the Garda telephone recordings will complete its report; if that report will be furnished to him; and if the report will be made publically available. [16385/14]
View answer441. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which his Department was first informed of the recordings issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16386/14]
View answer442. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which his Department was forwarded transcripts arising from the order for discovery made by Mr. Justice Hedigan on 17 May 2013; the actions his Department took; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16387/14]
View answer443. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the communications his Department have conducted with the Data Protection Commissioner; when they were conducted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16388/14]
View answer446. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on his Department's knowledge of the procurement of recording equipment at any stage since the 1980s. [16391/14]
View answer448. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the total number of audio files in any and all digital formats relating to the current Garda recordings controversy; the total size and duration of those files; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16409/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 423, 440 to 443, inclusive, 446 and 448 together.
The Government has decided to set up a statutory Commission of Investigation into the recording of telephone calls in certain Garda stations. In this regard the Government has today agreed the terms of reference for the Commission and it will examine extensively matters of public concern relating to the issue of recording of conversations in Garda Stations.
The Government has decided to appoint Mr. Justice Nial Fennelly, currently serving as a Judge of the Supreme Court, as Chair of the Commission of Investigation. The terms of reference have been finalised in consultation with Mr. Justice Fennelly.
It would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment in relation to matters which will be addressed in the context of the Commission of Investigation.
