An Garda Síochána

Tuesday, 16 November 2021

Questions (472, 473)

Michael McNamara

Question:

472. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Justice the estimated cost of the investigation launched in 2018 into the death of a baby (details supplied) in 1984. [56066/21]

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473. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Justice the number of members of An Garda Síochána that have been allocated to the investigation launched in 2018 into the death of a baby (details supplied) in 1984. [56067/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 472 and 473 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including investigative matters. As Minister I play no role in these independent functions.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that Gardaí continue to investigate the death of a newborn baby boy in 1984, known as Baby John.

I am advised that Garda personnel may be assigned to several investigations in response to operational requirements and it is not possible to provide costs associated with the investigation of specific incidents. I am further advised that An Garda Síochána do not provide information regarding sensitive operational matters, such as the numbers of personnel assigned to a particular investigation, at a particular time. I am informed that Garda personnel assigned to Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI) are simultaneously involved in multiple investigations due to the nature of the demands at the Bureau. Therefore, providing details of particular assignments could lead to a misinterpretation of relevant matters.

I am assured by the Garda authorities that significant work has been undertaken by the local investigation team, supported by the Serious Crime Review Team. Regular case conferences continue to be held by Garda management. I am advised that over 400 separate lines of enquiry have been generated as part of the review into this investigation, and that selective DNA sampling is ongoing as part of the enquiry. I understand that, to date, there have been no arrests in relation to this investigation. An Garda Síochána continue to appeal for information from the public regarding this case.

Question No. 473 answered with Question No. 472.