asked the Minister for Justice if the report of the investigations into alleged irregularities in the allocation of Cork County Committee of Agriculture scholarships in 1978 is yet available and, if not, when it is hoped to make it available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agriculture Scholarships.
17.
May I first make it clear that the Garda investigations in the matter referred to are concerned only with the question whether any evidence is available that would justify the institution of criminal proceedings.
Early last year, the Garda received certain allegations suggesting that, in the award of Cork County Committee of Agriculture scholarships in the previous year, a criminal offence was or may have been committed. The Garda investigated the matter but their investigations did not disclose any evidence of a criminal offence and that ended the matter at that stage as far as the Garda were concerned.
Further allegations or complaints concerning the matter were received by the Garda a couple of months ago as a result of which further investigations have been undertaken. Those further investigations are still in progress and, while I am not in a position to say when they will be completed, I have been informed by the Garda authorities that it is hoped to have them completed shortly. If those investigations disclose any evidence that might justify proceedings for a criminal offence, the Garda will, in accordance with normal practice, submit their report to the Director of Public Prosecutions for a decision.
Would the Minister be concerned at what appears to have been an irregularity in the issue of these scholarships and that it should be cleared up as quickly as possible?
I would, of course. If a criminal offence has taken place, if something criminal has happened, the Garda during the course of their investigations would turn that up. As the Deputy knows full well, they would submit their case to the Director of Public Prosecutions who would institute proceedings in the matter. Perhaps we are at cross-purposes.
Would the Minister accept that, apart from the question of the criminal prosecution, there would be issues that should be resolved in regard to the allegations in this matter?
If that were so, the Deputy would have to direct his remarks and his attention to the Minister for Agriculture. I would be concerned only with anything criminal. If there were irregularities within whatever Act the county committee of agriculture are operating, then the Minister for Agriculture would have the responsibility there, as the Deputy will appreciate.
Would the evidence accumulated by the Garda be made available in the departmental investigation and help in the clearance of that side of the problem?
I am sure that the Garda would be more than helpful to the Department of Agriculture in the event of any Department of Agriculture inquiry being instituted. I am sure they would give whatever information they would have to the Department of Agriculture as well.
When does the Minister expect that the Garda inquiries would be complete?
I am told shortly. I understand the urgency of it. I have been approached by a number of people on it and I have passed on the sense of urgency to the Garda authorities in relation to the matter.