Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 29 Feb 1996

Vol. 462 No. 4

Written Answers. - Garda Entrapment Operation.

Liz O'Donnell

Ceist:

87 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Justice if her attention or the attention of any person in her Department has been drawn to any Garda sting type or entrapment operation involving the importation of a large quantity of illegal drugs into the State; if so, if the Garda Commissioner is aware of the operation; if such an operation existed, the person who authorised it; when it was initiated; the outcome of the operation; if she or the Garda Commissioner were informed of such Garda operation, if any, prior to, during or subsequent to the completion of the operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4765/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

All the activities of the Garda Síochána are subject to the rule of law, constitutional rights, public interest and the law of evidence. As regards the information sought by the Deputy, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the disclosure of information concerning any operational matters would be contrary to established practice, and could prejudice investigations and possible subsequent court proceedings. In the circumstances, I do not propose to make any comment. If the Deputy has any information that she feels should be passed to the Garda Commissioner I would be happy to arrange a meeting for her or transmit that information to the Commissioner.