Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2016
99. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her reasons for commissioning a new Garda report into undercover policing here by British Metropolitan Police officers; and if she will make the findings of that report public. [37037/16]
View answer100. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the terms of reference for the new report into undercover policing here by the British Metropolitan Police will seek to establish if any of the undercover police officers were carrying Irish passports. [37038/16]
View answer101. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if her attention has been drawn to whether an undercover British Metropolitan Police officer used an Irish birth certificate to procure either a British or Irish passport; and if not, if she included this in the terms of reference of the second Garda report. [37039/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 99 to 101, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy will be aware, allegations regarding an undercover police officer in this jurisdiction were first made public in 2011. A report was sought from the Garda Commissioner on the matter at that time and that report was provided to my predecessor in March 2011. The report noted that no evidence had been established that the person in question had been involved in any criminal activity while in this jurisdiction.
As I have stated to the House previously, in the light of developments which have taken place outside this jurisdiction since these matters first came to light, including the establishment of an inquiry into undercover policing by the UK Government, a fresh report has been requested from the Garda Commissioner on any issues arising. In seeking that report, I have not sought to circumscribe in any way the information which the Garda Commissioner would provide. I will fully consider this report when it is available.
I have also made it clear previously that should anything emerge from the findings of the UK's undercover policing inquiry that would be relevant to policing in this jurisdiction I will consider it fully and take any action that may be required.
