I am informed by the Garda authorities that this matter is currently the subject of an internal Garda investigation. If disciplinary proceedings are warranted, as the Deputy is probably aware, the Garda Commissioner is vested, under legislation, with the general direction and control of An Garda Siochána, including matters of discipline which are governed by the Garda Siochána discipline regulations. I also understand that the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed that the dismissal of the court proceedings be made the subject of a case stated and that this course of action is being followed.
I hope the Deputy will appreciate that it is not the practice of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law reform to comment on individual Garda investigations save in the most exceptional of circumstances. Due to operational reasons great care must be taken not to prejudice the outcome of any ongoing Garda investigation or subsequent prosecution. The Minister will, however, ask the Garda Commissioner to advise him of the outcome of the internal Garda investigation to which I referred.