Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2015
382. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to a previous Parliamentary Question on 16 July 2014 if she will confirm if individual families have been informed of precisely what documents have been removed, if any, from the files being reviewed by the special review panel; if she will confirm the progress being made by this panel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33203/15]
View answerIt is assumed that the Deputy is referring to 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. 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 process of the Independent Review has not been to act as a Commission of Inquiry or Investigation designed to make findings. Its purpose has been to triage the allegations to see if further investigations are needed.
The review of each complaint consisted of an examination of the papers in the complaint by a counsel from the Panel. Documentation held by the Department, or forwarded by the Department of the Taoiseach, on each case was referred to the Panel. Such documentation would include correspondence from complainants, any reports that might have been sought from An Garda Síochána to assist the Department in replies, any submissions to the Minister in relation to the case, documents relating to previous reviews of the issues etc. There were no documents removed from the files before they were submitted to Counsel. It was of course open to any complainant to submit any further documentation relevant to their case. It was also open to the Panel to seek additional information, if they felt that it was necessary.
The Panel has provided recommendations to me in all 320 cases submitted to them and has therefore largely concluded its work. I am mindful that all complainants are anxious to know the outcome of the review of their case and every effort is being made to conclude the process. In each case a submission will be prepared. Mr Justice Roderick Murphy will review the summary of the conclusion and the letter of notification drafted to ensure that they are a fair and accurate reflection of the recommendation.
The issuing of notification letters to complainants commenced on 29 June. To date, notification letters have issued to 132 complainants. Letters will continue to issue to all complainants until the process is completed.
