Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 September 2014
311. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current timeframe for each commission of investigation, including known future commissions of investigation, within her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35464/14]
View answerThe order establishing the Commission of Investigation into the fatal shooting in May 1998 of Ronan MacLochlainn by members of the Garda Síochána in Ashford, County Wicklow, was signed on 23 July 2014 and the Commission commenced its work in late August. The terms of reference provide for this Commission to report to me within 6 months.
As the Deputy is aware, the Government has committed to establishing a Commission of Investigation into matters arising from the report by Seán Guerin SC of 6 May 2014 of the review of the action taken by the Garda Síochána pertaining to certain allegations made by Sergeant McCabe. The terms of reference of the Commission, including the timeframe, and the appointment of a member, are under consideration and will be finalised very shortly. I have also been conscious that this period of preparation could provide an opportunity for consideration to be given to the inclusion in the terms of reference of such additional cases, if any, as may be identified as appropriate for a Commission of Investigation arising from the establishment of the independent review by counsel of allegations of Garda misconduct which commenced work recently. The panel does have a significant number of cases to examine, however, and it may be that any recommendations it may make in regard to a Commission of Investigation will be dealt with subsequent to the establishment of this Commission of Investigation.
