asked the Minister for the Environment the present position regarding the alleged bribery investigation being conducted into the planning process in Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Planning Process.
10.
I assume the Deputy is referring to the Garda investigation which is, so far as I am aware, the only investigation being conducted into these allegations. This is a matter for the Minister for Justice and in this regard I would refer the Deputy to the reply given by that Minister to Questions Nos. 33 and 44 of 9 November 1989.
Is the Minister aware that a cloud of suspicion hangs over the planning process in Dublin city and county which is undermining the credibility of the work done by officials in Dublin County Council and Dublin Corporation and by elected representatives? Is the Minister saying that his Department have no interest in what is happening, have made no inquiries as to when the investigation will be complete and that it is not a matter of concern to him? Can he indicate when he expects this investigation to be completed?
Please, Deputy Shatter, time is of the essence.
If the Minister believes the investigation will be inconclusive has he yet addressed the possibility of holding a judicial inquiry into the planning process in Dublin?
Deputy Currie rose.
I cannot facilitate the Deputy.
I will give the House the reply of the Minister for Justice. He said:
A Garda investigation into allegations of corruption in the planning process in Dublin is still in progress. The results of the investigation, when completed, will be passed to the DPP in the normal course for a decision as to whether any prosecution is warranted. I should like to remind the House that there are criminal proceedings before the courts at present arising out of the Garda investigation.
Let us have a reply to Question No. 11, please.
Will the Minister accept that the public have a right to know what is happening in this area?
I have advised the Deputy why I am anxious to dispose of the question on the Order Paper.
This is a matter of serious public concern. The Government have evaded clarification of this issue since we came back after the summer recess. It is a disgrace as we are entitled to know what is happening.
The Deputy has had his own questions replied to and he does not care about Deputy Gilmore's question.
Bobby is watching the Minister.