Vol. 543 No. 5
438 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the medical coverage relating to a case (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the report has caused great distress to the family of the person concerned and the travelling community; and if he or the Garda authorities will issue a formal statement to clarify the situation. [27535/01]
I can fully appreciate the distress that can be caused when stories of this kind are carried by the media. I am sure that the Deputy will understand that I do not wish to say anything that may prejudice the outcome of Garda investigations or possible eventual prosecutions. For our part, as members of this House we should be careful not to add to the speculation about the case and accordingly I do not intend to make any further comment in this respect except to say that the case in question is still the subject of a criminal investigation by the Garda Síochána, who remain in frequent contact with the family of the person concerned.
