Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 December 2015
329. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she has received correspondence (details supplied) in relation to the independent review panel, her views on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45853/15]
View answerThe particular case to which the Deputy refers is amongst those 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 that purpose.
The Panel has provided recommendations to me in all 320 cases submitted to them and has therefore largely concluded its work. The issuing of notification letters to complainants commenced on 29 June. To date, 306 complainants have been notified of the outcome of the review of their cases. Letters will continue to issue to all complainants, until the process is completed which I expect will be very shortly as we are nearing the end of the process.
I have repeatedly emphasised that the Independent Review Mechanism was not established to act as a Commission of Inquiry or Investigation. Nor was it designed to make findings. Its purpose was to triage the allegations to see whether further action was needed and what that action would be. I know that some Deputies have argued that the review should have involved interviews with the complainants and other relevant persons, but with respect I think that is to misunderstand this process. To have required counsel to hold hearings where they would interview everyone concerned would in effect have been to hold full-scale investigations into over 300 cases, without having made any attempt to see if this was necessary or practical.
I wish also to stress the independence of this process. The cases have all been considered by independent barristers, members of the Panel constituted to conduct this review. Following their reviews of the papers in each complaint, counsel made recommendation to me, as to whether or not further action should be carried out by me, and if so the nature of that action. I also decided to appoint a retired judge, Mr Justice Roderick Murphy, to advise on the preparation of letters notifying individuals as to the outcome of the review in their particular cases. I was concerned that these letters should not only set out the recommendation of counsel, but also outline as far as possible the reasons for the recommendation, subject to any legal constraints there may be. I made this appointment in order to provide complete reassurance on the probity and independence of this entire process, from start to finish.
I have previously assured Deputies that where further investigation has been recommended by the review then that will occur. However, I have also pointed out that in a large proportion of cases, counsel would be likely to recommend that no further action could reasonably be taken. This has proven to be the case. One of the main reasons for this has been because a case has already been through due process even though the complainant remains unhappy with the outcome. The crucial point, however, is that every case has been reviewed by independent counsel, who have made an objective recommendation.
As I have stated before, I will make a comprehensive statement on all matters relating to the process once it is completed, including an overview of the outcomes of cases. I have also asked counsel to produce a general overview report on the issues and trends which featured in this process.
