Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2005
472 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the case of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was not fully investigated following an altercation; the further reason a Swiss knife was not analysed as was had requested at the time; if an investigation will be made into the circumstances of this fracas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20686/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Garda authorities that the circumstances into the incident referred to by the Deputy were fully investigated by the local gardaí following which, on the instructions of the Director of Public Prosecutions, three persons were sent forward for trial to the Circuit Court.
With regard to the specific matter raised by the Deputy regarding analysis of a Swiss knife, I am also advised that, following examination of a knife found in the car of the named person, it was discounted as being the knife allegedly used in the incident.
Following receipt of representations made to me by the named person at the end of 2003, the matter was brought to the attention of the Garda Commissioner. I was subsequently informed that the complaints made by the person named, and others, were fully investigated at a senior level within the force, taking account of all the facts of the matter, and that a decision was made not to take any further action in the matter. I understand that that decision was conveyed to the person named by the Garda authorities as it was also by my office.
