Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2015
226. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is aware of the circumstances of a person (details supplied); if she will make arrangements to ensure this person's personal safety; her views on meeting with this person, the person's family and representatives, as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19194/15]
View answerThe case to which the Deputy refers is amongst those being considered under the mechanism established for the independent review of certain allegations of Garda misconduct, or inadequacies in the investigation of certain allegations, which have been made to me as Minister for Justice and Equality, or the Taoiseach, with a view to determining to what extent and in what manner further action may be required in each case.
A panel consisting of two Senior and five Junior Counsel was established for the purpose, all selected on the basis of their experience of the criminal justice system. The review of each complaint consists of an examination of the papers in the complaint by a counsel from the Panel. Following the review of each complaint a recommendation will be made as to whether any further action is desirable and could practicably be taken.
The independent review is at an advanced stage, with some recommendations now returned to my Department. I have started the process of preparing notification letters to the persons concerned of the outcome of the review in their cases and the person concerned will be notified in due course.
In the meantime I am aware that this person has expressed concerns as to his personal safety directly to my Department. Matters of this nature are the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner, who has the necessary facilities to assess any risk to this person's safety and to put in place any appropriate precautions to safeguard it. Accordingly he has been advised that he should bring his concerns to the attention of the Garda Síochána. At the same time, the Garda Síochána have also been made aware of this person's concerns and have been requested to make contact with him.
In these circumstances, it is not appropriate for me to meet with the person concerned.
