I propose to take Questions Nos. 450, 451 and 453 to 457, inclusive, together.
I have advised the House on a number of previous occasions that I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the case in question which dates from 1989, was the subject of a thorough investigation.
The Deputy is aware that complaints were also made to the Garda Síochána Complaint Board, an independent statutory body, which further investigated the matter. It found no evidence of an offence or breach of discipline on the part of any Garda member concerned.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the particular firearm and ammunition seized from the person in question was destroyed on 19 July 2000. This was as part of an arrangement to destroy a large number of firearms stored at Clancy Barracks, including those which came into the possession of the Gardaí as a result of operations against subversives groups.
With regard to information as to the sale of the former Clancy Barracks, in June, 2002 the Department of Defence accepted an offer for the purchase of Clancy Barracks in the sum of €25.4 million. Following detailed consideration of the matter the sale of the barracks was completed on 26 March 2004.
In circumstances where this case has already been subject to an investigation by the Garda Síochána Complaints Board (an independent body whose conclusions it is not my role to second guess) I do not consider that the expenditure of further Departmental or Garda resources, in compiling further information of the kind sought by the Deputy could be justified.