The Deputy is referring to a person whose case is being considered by the mechanism established for the independent review of certain allegations of Garda misconduct, or inadequacies in the investigation of certain allegations, which have been made to me as Minister for Justice and Equality, or the Taoiseach, with a view to determining to what extent and in what manner further action may be required in each case.
The review of each complaint consists of an examination of the papers in the complaint by a counsel from the Panel. The person referred to by the Deputy, together with her legal advisors, have been advised that documentation held by the Department, or forwarded by the Department of the Taoiseach, has been referred to the Panel. Such documentation includes correspondence from complainants, any reports that might have been sought from An Garda Síochána to assist the Department in replies, any submissions to the Minister in relation to the case, and documents relating to previous reviews of the issues. They have also been advised that it is open to them to submit any further documentation relevant to their case.
While the independent review is at a very advanced stage, with recommendations returned to my Department in over 90% of the 320 cases that have been referred to them, I have not yet received counsel's recommendation in respect of the case of the person referred to by the Deputy. The volume and complexity of cases has led to the review taking longer than originally anticipated, but it is important that counsel take the time necessary to consider each case fully and carefully. Once I have received and considered counsel's recommendation I will notify this person of the outcome of the review of her case.
