asked the Minister for Justice in relation to the complaint of forcible and unlawful detention on Tuesday, 7th June, made by a member of the South Tipperary County Council and the Minister's statement in the Dáil on the 14th June that when the Gardaí were in a position to do so a report would be made to the Minister for Local Government, whether he will now state the date or dates by which such report, or reports, were completed by the Gardaí, and the date or dates by which they were submitted to the Minister for Local Government.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Detention of South Tipperary Councillor.
24.
The completed Garda report was received in my Department on 22nd June and a copy was forwarded to the Department of Local Government on 29th June.
Will the Minister say if the report contained a statement of all the matters disclosed at the proceedings in the district court?
I cannot answer that question.
Would the Minister think it would be possible that any important matter disclosed at the district court level would be omitted from the report?
The case is still, I understand, sub judice and I would prefer——
In so far as the Minister has made a report to the Minister for Local Government——
I have submitted a report.
——that certain proceedings have taken place at district court level, would it be possible that any information disclosed at the district court level would be withheld from the Garda report to the Minister for Local Government?
Anything that was received in the report was forwarded as received from my Department to the Department of Local Government. I do not think anything is withheld at all.
The Minister will understand that is not an answer to the question I put. Certain proceedings took place quite a while ago at district court level. I am asking the Minister would it be possible that important matters disclosed at the district court level would be omitted from the report sent by the Garda to the Minister's Department?
I would say not, but I could not give a definite assurance.
Would the Minister say whether it would be unreasonable that it should be omitted?
To withhold any information?
Yes.
I suppose it would be unreasonable, but I do not think such a thing is contemplated, or was contemplated.
Would the Minister say when he expects this matter will be brought to a conclusion as far as the courts are concerned?
In the court itself?
Yes.
I could not anticipate that. That is a matter for the courts alone.
The Minister has no expectation or idea in the matter.
No.