Garda Investigations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2014

Tuesday, 1 July 2014

Questions (428)

Denis Naughten

Question:

428. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps she is taking to address the backlog of cases that are with the computer crime investigation unit; the number of cases currently with the unit and the longest period of time that a case is with this unit awaiting the recovery of evidence; the present delay in recovering evidence from equipment submitted since October 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28231/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I met with the Acting Commissioner recently to discuss this serious matter. As the Deputy may be aware, the Acting Commissioner has recently initiated a comprehensive review and strategic realignment of Garda capacity to deal with complex and emerging crime of this nature, which is very welcome. In addition, she is also examining a number of other more immediate steps which can be taken to speed up the processing of these cases and my Department will remain in regular contact with the Garda authorities in this regard.

Insofar as the question of the specific statistics sought by the Deputy are concerned, I have sought a report from the Garda authorities in this regard and will contact the Deputy again when this is received.