Garda Investigations.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 April 2009

Wednesday, 22 April 2009

Ceisteanna (61)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

107 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the basis on which the gardaí became involved in an investigation into the unauthorised hanging of caricatures of An Taoiseach in two Dublin art galleries; if a formal complaint was made to the gardaí; if so, the person by whom it was made; the basis on which a member of the gardaí visited a national radio station and sought details of e-mails; if the Garda investigation has been concluded; his views on whether this is the most effective use of Garda time and resources; if a file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14247/09]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

The Deputy will appreciate that I have no role in relation to the investigation or prosecution of cases.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that on 7 March, 2009 a complaint was received from the National Gallery of Ireland by An Garda Síochána at Pearse Street in respect of an incident. In the course of the investigation into this incident, a second incident was reported to An Garda Síochána by the Royal Hibernian Academy.

I am further informed that an investigation file is being prepared for submission to the Law Officers and it would, of course, be a matter for the Director to decide whether further action is warranted.

In the circumstances, the Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to make any further comment.