Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 1

Written Answers - Garda Investigations.

Ivan Yates

Ceist:

231 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will have arrangements made to carry out an immediate investigation into a serious incident of assault which took place on 21 February 1998 in Enniscorthy, County Wexford (details supplied); the circumstances whereby this person was released in view of the potential threat he posed to innocent victims; the steps, if any, he is taking to ensure that no future incident of this kind is allowed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5433/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I am aware of the assault referred to by the Deputy. While I condemn this assault, unreservedly, and sympathise with the victim and his family, the Deputy will be aware that it is long standing practice not to comment in detail on an individual case of this kind except in the most exceptional circumstances. I do not propose to make an exception to that practice in this instance. However, I can say that the person alleged to have carried out the assault referred to was not serving a sentence or on early release from prison at the time the alleged assault took place.