Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 October 2016
51. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she has been copied on correspondence to the Garda Commissioner from a person (details supplied); and if action is being taken on the issues raised. [31218/16]
View answerI can confirm that I have received a copy of the correspondence referred to by the Deputy. I can also confirm that I have received previous correspondence from the person concerned. My Department has been examining all the correspondence to see what actions should be considered. The Garda Commissioner has been asked to provide a report on all the issues raised in the correspondence received from the person.
It is important to emphasise that, as Minister for Justice and Equality, I do not have a direct role in relation to some of the issues that are raised in this complex case. For instance, I am precluded from interfering in Garda operational matters or criminal investigations by An Garda Síochána or investigations by GSOC. Furthermore, I am sure that the Deputy will appreciate that the DPP is the independent prosecution authority in the State and I have no authority in relation to those decisions.
Insofar as the latest correspondence refers to allegations of ongoing malpractice by members of the Garda Síochána, I would say that it is of course open to any person who has a concern about the behaviour of members of the Garda Síochána to make a complaint to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) which is the independent body established by law, with extensive powers, to investigate any allegations of Garda wrongdoing.
While I am still awaiting a substantive report from the Garda Commissioner, preliminary observations provided by the Garda Síochána indicate that they are maintaining direct personal contact with the person concerned, that the correspondence has been notified to GSOC and that the person concerned has made a number of other complaints to the Garda Síochána which remain under investigation.
I hope to be in a position to respond soon to the individual concerned. I will also respond to representations that the Deputy has previously made in relation to this case.
