Vol. 415 No. 1
288 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for Justice if the investigation into the murder of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick is still proceeding; if he will outline the circumstances which gave rise to the acquittal of an accused person arising out of this investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that this case was the subject of a full Garda investigation and that on the directions of the Director of Public Prosecutions a person was charged and brought before the courts. I am also informed that the case did not proceed following a ruling by the court that certain statements made by the accused to the garda were inadmissible.
Under our Constitution the administration of justice is vested in the courts and judges are independent in the exercise of their judicial functions, subject only to the Constitution and the law. It would therefore be inappropriate for me to offer any comment on the decision reached by the court in this case.
I am also informed by the Garda authorities that, following the unsuccessful court proceedings and at the request of the Director of Public Prosecutions, they submitted to him for direction a file in relation to a second suspect in this case. The Director of Public Prosecutions subsequently directed that there should be no prosecution.
The Director of Public Prosecutions is, under statute, independent in the performance of his functions and I have no role in regard thereto.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that they will continue to keep this case open and that if any new evidence comes to light, it will be fully investigated and referred for direction, if appropriate, to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
