As the Deputy will be aware, I have already commented publicly on these matters following the judgment of the Supreme Court in relation to Mr. Bailey's appeal against the order of the High Court that he be surrendered to France. As the Deputy will appreciate, while this case was before the Supreme Court, I could not, in any way, as Minister for Justice and Equality, intervene or make any comment in the matter.
As I have already stated, I understand that the issues raised in documentation which emerged from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and which was referred to in a number of the Supreme Court Judgements, formed the basis of a complaint made on behalf of Mr. Bailey to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. I am advised that the Ombudsman Commission has admitted the complaint and initiated an investigation. I am of the view that it is desirable that these matters be investigated in the public interest and that the Ombudsman Commission is the appropriate body to do so. As the Deputy will appreciate, given the investigation now underway, it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment on this matter.
I have also commented on the fact that this documentation only first emerged subsequent to the proceedings having been determined in the High Court and only shortly prior to the hearing of the Supreme Court appeal. The position remains that I am consulting with the Attorney General about this matter.
I will keep legislation in the area of extradition under review.
