Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 2003

Vol. 571 No. 1

Written Answers. - Garda Investigations.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

1192 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) and to the fact that the Director of Public Prosecutions has decided not to proceed with charges against the driver of the car in this case; if his attention has further been drawn to the trauma caused to the family of this person as a result of the DPP's policy of not providing victims with the reasons when they elect not to prosecute; and if he will request the Garda Commissioner to review this case. [20613/03]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1192 and 1206 together.

I am of course aware of the appalling injuries suffered by the person in question, and the trauma inflicted on her family as a result.

With regard to the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, I can only point out that due to the independence of the director, it would not be appropriate for me to comment upon this aspect of the case. I have explained the position in correspondence with the family in question.

For their part, the gardaí will continue to take whatever steps may be open to them with a view to bringing the perpetrators to justice.