Vol. 417 No. 5
163 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice if, further to replies to previous parliamentary questions regarding dog-fighting, he accepts that there is evidence of organised dog-fighting in this country; if he will give details of the approximate number of persons present at the recent dog-fight in County Kildare; and the number that evaded arrest on that occasion.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there is no evidence of large scale organisation of dog-fighting here. They are aware, however, that dog fights, which of their nature would involve some degree of organisation, have taken place. All reports or intelligence in relation to such incidents are very fully investigated and are where appropriate referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions with a view to the initiation of proceedings.
The Garda authorities also inform me that the particular matter referred to by the Deputy is the subject of a full and thorough Garda investigation. It is not the practice for the Minister for Justice to give detailed information to the House about individual Garda investigations except in singular instances where the circumstances of an investigation are so exceptional that such a course is deemed to be appropriate. I do not consider that such a departure is warranted in the case in question.
