Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 3 Jun 1993

Vol. 431 No. 8

Written Answers. - Search Procedures.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

97 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if the reasons given for the issue of a warrant to authorise a search of the home of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare were such as to validate the search; if similar reasons are likely to be used to justify further or future searches; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

99 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if, in the course of a recent search of the property of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare, evidence was found to justify the making of the search; if not, if any apology was or is in the course of being extended to the persons concerned; if any regard was had to the possible damage to their standing in the community; if the information which led to the search was in any way checked for authenticity; if there is a likelihood of further searches based on similar information; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 99 together.

I refer the Deputy to the detailed replies I gave in response to previous questions from him on this matter on 13 and 20 May last. I would merely add that as Minister for Justice it is not my function to direct Garda operations — present or future — nor am I answerable for the detail of how such operations are carried out.

I have already explained to the Deputy the courses of action open to the persons concerned if they consider any improper conduct by the Garda Síochána took place.

I might add for the information of the Deputy that the Garda authorities have informed me that the persons whose property was searched in this case, while expressing surprise, co-operated fully with the gardaí who conducted the search and made no complaint about the manner in which the search was carried out.