Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 23 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 3

Written Answers. - Drug Seizures.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

72 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the investigations, if any, being held into the circumstances surrounding the acquittal of a Garda informer (details supplied) who had been accused of smuggling £1 million worth of heroin and ecstasy; the guidelines, if any, issued to members of the Garda regarding the use of informers in these circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24314/99]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

352 Caoimhghn Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a report from the Garda Commissioner on the case of a person (details supplied) involving the importation of heroin. [24563/99]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 352 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the circumstances surrounding the case referred to by the Deputy are as follows. The individual referred to by the Deputy was detained at Dublin Airport, after being found in possession of a quantity of drugs with a notional street value of approximately £1 million. He was subsequently arrested and brought to Santry Garda Station, where he refused to answer any questions. A file was prepared and forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions and he was subsequently charged with the importation of illegal substances and with possession of illicit drugs with intent to supply. He was subsequently acquitted by the courts.

The Garda authorities have informed me that confidential guidelines have been issued by the Garda Commissioner in respect of intelligence gathering and reporting. The Garda Commissioner has appointed a chief superintendent to examine the circumstances surrounding this case. This examination is not, as yet, complete. I have asked the Garda Commissioner to forward a full report on the matter as soon as this examination is completed.