Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 November 2019
241. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to a Leader's Question by this Deputy on 13 November 2019, if the GSOC report on the circumstances regarding the death of a person (details supplied) has been made available to the person's family and solicitor; if not, when they will receive correspondence regarding the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48803/19]
View answer242. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to a Leader's Question by this Deputy on 13 November 2019, if the DPP now has the GSOC report regarding the case of a person (details supplied) and the investigations into the circumstances of the person's death; if so, if further action will be taken on the recommendations of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48804/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 242 together.
The Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is an independent body tasked with investigation of complaints in relation to members of An Garda Síochána.
I am informed that GSOC conducted a criminal investigation into the matters referred to and sent a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions and that the Director of Public Prosecutions directed that there be no prosecution in the matter.
I am further informed that the second report referred to by the Deputy relates to a report prepared by GSOC for the Garda Commissioner, following GSOC's disciplinary investigation into the recording and publication of video footage of the arrest of the person referred to. I would point out that any decision around the application of the Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations 2007 following receipt of the GSOC report is a matter for the Garda Commissioner.
I am informed that GSOC has provided reasons in writing to the family referred to as to why they cannot be provided with a copy of the report in question.
As the matter is ongoing, the Deputy will appreciate that I cannot comment further on it.
