Vol. 571 No. 4
465 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if Garda handlers of police informers have not directed their informants to target other drug dealers or criminals for physical attack including death. [21828/03]
466 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if Garda handlers of police informers have allowed their informants to discourage or otherwise remove competitors through the passing on of information or by their turning a blind eye to illegal activities. [21829/03]
467 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if police informers have been allowed carry on their illegal activities in return for information. [21830/03]
468 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if persons who were paid Garda informers have been shot dead as a result of their activities. [21831/03]
469 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if no drug dealer has been granted immunity from prosecution in exchange for becoming a police informer. [21832/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 465 to 469, inclusive, together.
Such matters are under the direct operational control of the Garda authorities and the operational arrangements must, by their nature, remain absolutely confidential. However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that, in dealing with persons who willingly assist the Garda Síochána in the investigation of criminal activity, they operate strictly within the parameters of the law.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that in the time available they were unable to ascertain definitively if any person was murdered in the circumstances described by the Deputy. I will write to the Deputy in regard to this matter when the Garda authorities provide me with additional information.
In relation to the prosecution of serious crime, decisions are made by the Director of Public Prosecutions, who exercises his functions in an independent manner. It would not be appropriate, therefore, for me to comment in respect of any such decisions.
