Vol. 541 No. 2
146 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress which has been made regarding the investigation into allegations that members of the Garda Síochána may have improperly accepted gifts and hospitality from a company supplying tyres to the Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22027/01]
A newspaper article, published on Sunday, 11 February 2001 alleged that members of the Garda Síochána and a civilian employee at Garda Headquarters had participated in trips abroad paid for by a company which supplies tyres to the Garda Síochána. On 13 February 2001, I advised the House that the Garda Commissioner had asked a chief superintendent to look at the allegations. I also advised the House that I was of the view that the matter warranted an external examination and that the Secretary General of my Department, in his capacity as Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote, had instructed the internal audit unit of the Department to examine the matter.
The matter subsequently became the subject of a criminal investigation and I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the chief superintendent appointed by the Garda Commissioner submitted an investigation file to the Director of Public Prosecutions on 20 April 2001 on the matters alleged. I am also informed that on 3 August 2001 the DPP sought additional information and that a further file was submitted on 13 September 2001. The directions of the DPP are currently awaited.
The Comptroller and Auditor General is carrying out a value for money examination of the purchasing of tyres by the Garda Síochána and has been in contact with officials of my Department. I understand that his work is at an advanced stage and as soon as I receive his report on this matter, I shall arrange for copies to be made available to the Dáil.
The investigation being carried out by the internal audit unit in the Department is continuing and certain queries have been raised with the Garda authorities in relation to this matter. When the Garda response to these queries has been received, it is hoped that the internal audit unit will be in a position to finalise its report. The Deputy may also wish to note that the processing, certification and payment of invoices from the company referred to in the question have been transferred to the finance section at Garda Headquarters. Payments for all vehicle repairs in excess of £250 are also channelled through the finance section. The Government Supplies Agency has also organised a new tender competition for supplying tyres to the Garda Síochána.
