Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Jul 2001

Vol. 540 No. 1

Written Answers. - Garda Investigations.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

418 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a member of the Garda Síochána (details supplied) was active in removing and taking timber which had been felled in the Mullaghmore Plantation, County Sligo; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the person responsible for felling the timber (details supplied) did not have a felling licence; if this matter has been investigated by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19772/01]

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

423 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a chief superintendent of the Garda Síochána in County Sligo received a formal complaint from An Taisce in January 2001 relating to the felling of trees by an individual (details supplied) in Kilkilloge, Mullaghmore, County Sligo, without a felling licence; if this matter has been investigated by the Garda and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19777/01]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 418 and 423 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the chief superintendent, Sligo, has received correspondence from An Taisce on this matter, that an investigation is under way and that a file is being prepared for submission to the law officers.

I understand that the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources has also investigated the matter and that the Garda Síochána has and will continue to liaise with that Department. I am also informed that the allegation that a member of the Garda Síochána may have been involved in removing timber which was felled without a felling licence is also under investigation, although I understand that no previous complaint in relation to this aspect of the matter had been received by the Garda authorities.