I am informed by the Garda authorities that on 14 February 2002, the person referred to was arrested for a number of public order and drink related offences. He was later charged with breaches of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 and the Licensing Act 1872 and was released from Garda custody after two hours. These charges were subsequently withdrawn. He made no complaint. I am further informed that there is no record at Howth Garda station of the person referred to coming to the notice of or being in contact with any members of the Garda Síochána at Howth and there is no record of the person referred to making any complaint.
If a person is not happy with the conduct of a member of the Garda Síochána, it is open to him or her to make a complaint to the Garda Síochána Complaints Board, currently the statutory body to investigate complaints by members of the public against the Garda. A complaint can be made by writing to the board or calling to its offices. A complaint can also be made at any Garda station and it will be forwarded to the board for attention unless the person indicates in writing that he or she wishes it to be dealt with by the Garda Síochána itself. The board is not empowered to deal with complaints not lodged within six months of the date of the incident. The board's offices are located at Block 1, Irish Life Centre, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin, telephone 01-878 7526.
