Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 16 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 2

Written Answers. - Garda Search of Solicitor's Office.

Michael McDowell

Ceist:

133 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Justice whether the publicity surrounding the presence of detectives under a warrant issued under the Criminal Justice Act, 1994, at a solicitor's office (details supplied) resulted from an authorised press briefing or whether it was as a result of an unauthorised leak to the media; whether any inquiry has been initiated into the matter; and whether she will make a statement on the implications, if any, of such publicity on the drive against organised crime. [18912/96]

Desmond J. O'Malley

Ceist:

136 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Justice if she will make a statement on the action of the Garda in tipping off press photographers and reporters regarding their intention to raid a solicitor's office in Dublin on 3 October 1996, which has most unfairly led to undesirable publicity for the firm of solicitors concerned who were perfectly prepared to hand over any documents to which the Garda were legally entitled; and the steps, if any, she will take to ensure that this type of media circus contrived by the Garda will not happen in future. [18820/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs Owen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 136 together.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that on the 3 of October, 1996 the Garda carried out a search of the offices of a firm of solicitors, in accordance with law as provided for under Section 64 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1994.

The inference by Deputy O'Malley that the Garda were responsible for the presence of the media at the relevant time is not sustainable. The Commissioner is satisfied that the search was conducted in a professional and competent manner. He did not authorise the release of any information on this matter to the media and he does not accept that officers of the Garda Síochána released such information either. To have done so would have been totally contrary to the established policy of preserving the anomymity of persons affected by these searches. It is not proposed to have any inquiry into the matter.