Vol. 558 No. 5
272 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if the Garda Síochána have received reports or other relevant documents in respect of industrial schools arising from the visit by the inspector to industrial and reformatory schools; if conclusions have been reached in respect of the investigation in respect of these matters by the Garda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25033/02]
273 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the relevant documentation relating to allegations of sexual abuse in Kilkenny and Clonmel, which are stored in the archive, are not furnished to the Garda Síochána rather than merely made available for the purpose of their investigation; his views on whether this is a casual way of dealing with serious allegations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25034/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 272 and 273 together.
In May 2002 records held by my Department were forwarded to the Garda, these records included general inspections and incidental inspection reports, entire general inspection files in respect of three industrial schools for the period 1 January 1976 to the end date of each file and a list of resident pupils who were admitted to these schools for the period from 1 January 1976 to 6 June 1996.
As I informed the Deputy in a reply to Questions Nos. 119 to 121, inclusive, on 28 November 2002, the Garda has concluded its inquiries and has recently informed the Secretary General of my Department that it is not aware of any complaint against the person concerned that would warrant a criminal investigation at this time.
I assure the Deputy that this matter would never be dealt with in a casual way and that any documentation required or requested was and would be provided to the Garda or the purpose of any investigation of this nature.
