asked the Minister for Justice if arising from the Taoiseach's statement to Dáil Éireann on 21 April last in connection with the leaking of confidential documents relating to the pro-life amendment, he will now state the result of the investigations, which he then said were already in progress, to establish the source or sources responsible.
Written Answers. - Leaking of Confidential Documents.
287.
, Limerick East): It has been established, in relation to two documents, the contents of which were irregularly disclosed, that the originating document in each case was a Department of Justice copy.
Having regard to the Deputy's earlier allegations against the Taoiseach, may I make it quite clear that when I say "a Department of Justice copy" I mean that the originating documents in both cases were not documents that were submitted to me, not to mention the Taoiseach, but were to be retained in the custody of departmental officials.
The initial investigation was carried out within the Department on the basis that such an investigation would maximise the likelihood that there would be an admission or other statement that would show where the problem lay. I wish to make it quite clear that this was an entirely proper procedure that was adopted after consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions.
It was not successful in finding an answer but it has nevertheless been useful and has served to clear the way for further inquiries that are now to be carried out by the Garda Síochána.
I cannot give further information at this stage as to do so could hinder the effectiveness of Garda inquiries.