Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 September 2011
80 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there have been arrests, criminal charges or convictions against employees of a company (details supplied) or security personnel employed by the company during the protest actions in the north Mayo area connected with Corrib gas project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24742/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Garda Authorities that twenty six complaints were made since the commencement of works in 2005 to An Garda Síochána in relation to personnel employed by the company referred to by the Deputy or employees of companies contracted by that company. These complaints relate to alleged assaults and alleged breaches of the Road Traffic Acts and the Private Security Services Act. To date, there have been no arrests made against such persons.
Every complaint to the Gardaí is the subject of a thorough investigation. Investigations against employees of the company or employees of its contractors have resulted in files for directions being submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions in six cases. In one of these cases the DPP directed a prosecution. The case was subsequently dismissed by the District Court. Files are being prepared in relation to three cases at present and investigations are still ongoing in two further cases.
