Garda Investigations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 April 2014

Thursday, 17 April 2014

Questions (191)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

191. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will ask the acting Garda Commissioner to examine the allegations reported in The Sunday Times on 23 March 2014 that two children from a Traveller family were entered into the Garda PULSE system, despite the fact that they had neither reported a crime or been charged with any crime; if he will ask the acting Garda Commissioner to personally examine the PULSE records related to this matter; and if he will confirm that the entries are in line with all legal requirements. [18381/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I have been assured by the Garda Commissioner that the Garda Síochána does not engage in data gathering or data mining of individuals or groups with regard to race, colour, language, religion, nationality, national or ethnic origin, ethnicity or membership of the Traveller Community. I, however, have asked the Garda Commissioner to examine the allegations which are the subject of this Parliamentary Question and to report to me in the matter.