Garda Investigations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2012

Tuesday, 12 June 2012

Ceisteanna (392)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

486 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has been contacted by the relatives of a person (details supplied) about the Garda investigation into the death of that person in County Offaly on 8 July 1985 and the conduct of the subsequent criminal trial; his views on whether there is a need for a new Garda investigation into the case; if the case is still under investigation by the Garda; if the case is under official review; if the case has been re-examined with a view to determining whether any new prosecution should take place following the collapse of the original criminal trial; if he will consider the setting up of a commission of investigation pursuant to the Commission of Investigation Act 2004 to enable the entire circumstances of the death and subsequent investigations and trial to be independently investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27930/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the incident referred to was the subject of investigation by An Garda Síochána, which resulted in the submission of an investigation file to the law officers, who directed that a person be charged with manslaughter and assault. At the ensuing trial directions to acquit were given by the judge.

Following the publication of an article concerning this case in October, 2010, representations were made requesting an investigation of the matters raised in it. I understand that the Commissioner arranged for a Detective Superintendent to meet the author of the article and the persons making the representations to make an assessment whether there was any evidence which was not available to the original investigation team and if further investigation was required in this case. As a result, a number of lines of inquiry were identified for examination by An Garda Síochána. I have received an update on progress on the matter from the Garda Commissioner but the examination remains ongoing and I expect to receive a final report upon its completion, at which point I will review the situation.