Legal Proceedings

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 July 2019

Tuesday, 2 July 2019

Questions (337)

Micheál Martin

Question:

337. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to media reports in relation to the collapsed trial regarding persons (details supplied); his views on the circumstances that led to the collapse; if he has been in discussions or contact with the Policing Authority regarding same; if discussions with the Garda Commissioner took place on same; if the matter has been referred to GSOC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27970/19]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised that the case referred to by the Deputy is one that has been the subject of discussion between the Policing Authority and the Garda Commissioner at a number of recent Authority meetings. The Commissioner also submitted a written report to the Authority, which he copied to me.

Having discussed the report with the Commissioner at its May meeting, the Authority exercised its power under section 102(7) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 to refer the matter to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) for its consideration. GSOC advised me in recent days that it has decided to initiate an investigation under section 95 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.

The Deputy will understand that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on this case pending the outcome of the GSOC investigation.