Vol. 532 No. 4
541 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) who confessed to the murder of two women (details supplied) but has not been charged with the crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7784/01]
I am informed by Garda authorities that on the 16 August 1997, the person in question was arrested in Galway in connection with a serious crime in County Roscommon. While in custody in Mill Street Garda Station, Galway, he made a number of inculpatory statements implicating himself in the murder of the two women to which the Deputy refers though I understand that he later retracted his statements of admission. The Garda Commissioner then directed that an investigation into this man's alleged involvement in the murders was to be carried out by an Assistant Commissioner.
I am assured by Garda authorities that the investigation which followed was a thorough one, and a complete file was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions for his consideration. The Director decided that no prosecution should take place.
The director is independent in the discharge of his functions and that I have no role in the prosecution of offences.
Question No. 542 answered with Question No. 506.
