Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 5 Dec 2002

Vol. 558 No. 6

Written Answers. - FÁS Reference.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

168 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to a newspaper report (details supplied) in which gardaí describe hired gun men with little experience as FÁS killers; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that this derogatory reference to FÁS has caused great offence to staff and participants; if he will take appropriate measures to ensure that detectives refrain from such demeaning remarks in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25296/02]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The evening newspaper article in question is concerned with an ongoing investigation by the Garda Síochána into a serious criminal offence. While I understand the concerns expressed by the Deputy, I do not propose in the circumstances to comment on the anonymous references contained in the article.