Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2017
108. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the proposed inquiry into allegations made by a person (details supplied) and which the Government previously indicated would be the subject of an inquiry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12943/17]
View answerThe Inquiry to which the Deputy refers is to be established following my acceptance of a recommendation by the panel of the Independent Review Mechanism (IRM), the role of which was to review complaints of Garda misconduct or failings in investigations carried out by An Garda Síochána. Arising from its recommendations, I have decided, in the case mentioned, to establish an inquiry under the terms of section 42 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended.
Draft terms of reference were prepared which, in accordance with section 42 (3A) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, were the subject of consultation with the Policing Authority. This consultation with the Policing Authority is now completed. It was however necessary to seek further advice from the Office of the Attorney General on certain matters arising.
Officials in my Department are continuing their discussions with the Office of the Attorney General with regard to matters concerning the establishment of this inquiry and finalising its terms of reference.
Although certain administrative arrangements require to be put in place in advance of the establishment of this and the other Inquiries arising from the IRM, I can inform the Deputy that I hope to be in a position to proceed to its establishment in the near future.
