asked the Minister for Justice if, since replying to Parliamentary Questions on the matter on March 4 last, he has been provided with any additional evidence regarding the circumstances of the death of Patrick Nugent in Bunratty Folk Park on February 11, 1984; if in the light of any such evidence he intends to take any further action; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Bunratty (Clare) Death.
23.
I have not been provided with any additional evidence regarding the circumstances surrounding the death of Patrick Nugent since 4 March last. Various persons have claimed to have knowledge of, or possession of, what they regarded as evidence which would shed new light on the case. However, on investigation, none of this evidence proved to be of any value.
It has also come to my notice, over the past few months, that certain persons close to the family claim to have evidence to prove that a witness was subjected to threats and that false testimony was given in certain instances. I have urged the persons concerned to bring to the notice of the gardaí any new information that they may have so as to ensure, in so far as is possible, that every relevant fact about the case is brought out into the open. Unfortunately, my pleas in this respect have evoked no response.
I am aware too that a recent pamphlet, which is stated to be issued by the Nugent Campaign for Justice Committee and what is referred to as the National Legal Justice Action Group, make a number of allegations in relation to this case. This pamphlet is, in places, scurrilous both in tone and content as well as being, I believe, libellous of certain persons, myself included. I have, nevertheless, referred it to the Garda authorities with a view to investigation of whether the people responsible for it have any evidence to support any of the claims which it makes.
Finally, in view of what has already been put forward as new evidence, perhaps it is necessary to make it quite clear that when I refer to new evidence I mean, of course, evidence which is relevant and which is substantial enough both to make possible and to justify some further action, whether by way of Garda investigation or otherwise.