Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 April 2004
348 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork is a cause for concern and that legitimate questions may arise from this case regarding the impartiality of some judges and some members of the Garda Síochána. [10708/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that the courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions and, therefore, it is not open to me as Minister to comment or intervene in any way in relation to how a particular case was conducted or the outcome of any such proceedings. These are matters entirely for the presiding judge and it would be inappropriate for me to comment or intervene in such matters.
If the person concerned wishes to make a complaint about certain members of the Garda Síochána, I suggest that he contact the Garda Síochána complaints board which is the independent body set up under the Garda Síochána Complaints Act, 1986 and which provides a system of investigation and adjudication of complaints by the public against the Garda. The person concerned is also free to complain directly to the Garda Commissioner.
