Vol. 538 No. 1
201 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the names of the Garda superintendents who are investigating allegations that conversations between clients and solicitors were tape recorded at Letterkenny Garda station, County Donegal. [17329/01]
202 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason gardaí attached to Letterkenny Garda station, County Donegal and who may have knowledge relevant to the inquiry regarding allegations of tape recording of conversations between clients and the solicitors have not been interviewed; and the number of gardaí interviewed to date. [17330/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 and 202 together.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that Chief Superintendent Rice is investigating the allegations that conversations between clients and solicitors were tape recorded at Letterkenny Garda station.
The chief superintendent has interviewed the solicitor who made the allegations and the solicitor has sought certain guarantees in relation to the matter. In the absence of these guarantees, the names of the gardaí whom he alleges have information in the matter have not been forthcoming. The chief superintendent is currently assessing the matter and is making further enquiries. No gardaí have been interviewed to date.
203 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amounts of money paid to Garda informers who have since been arrested in connection with the investigations which have been carried out into allegations of alleged Garda wrongdoing in the Letterkenny Garda division. [17331/01]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, to date, five persons have been arrested and charged before the courts with offences arising from the investigation conducted into this matter. In the circumstances, the Deputy will appreciate that it would be totally inappropriate to comment on issues that are now sub judice relative to these persons. I would, however, like to add that I am also informed by the Garda authorities that the Director of Public Prosecutions is currently considering other aspects of the investigation file.
