asked the Minister for Justice when it is proposed to complete Garda investigations into alleged irregularities and into complaints made by employees at Geashill State Forest, County Offaly; if it is proposed to institute legal proceedings as result of the investigations; and if he will give the date on which the Garda reports were submitted to the Attorney General.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Geashill State Forest: Investigation of Complaints.
11.
Complaints made, through the Deputy, to the Minister for Lands were referred by that Minister to the Attorney General, as they appeared to involve allegations that criminal offences had been committed. On the direction of the Attorney General an investigation of the complaints has been made by the Garda Síochána.
A report from the Garda Síochána was received by the Attorney General this week. He has informed me that some further information will be required before a decision can be made.
In relation to that reply, perhaps the Minister would bear in mind the seriousness of this matter, in view of the fact that an officer of the Department of Lands instructed the employees——
This matter is already under investigation, and I protest against——
You do not want the truth to come out — the same old tactics.
(Interruptions)
In view of the fact that the Minister——
The Deputy may not answer the Minister. He may put a question.
That is what I am endeavouring to do. May I ask the Minister does he not consider that a matter of this kind is of the greatest possible seriousness, when an officer of the Department——
That does not arise on the question.