Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2017
96. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she or her Department has requested a report from the An Garda Síochána on allegations of rape, sexual and physical assault made by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6775/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that I am very conscious of the seriousness of the matters raised in this case and I am mindful of the considerable distress experienced by the person in question over an extended period.
I understand that the complaints related firstly to an assault which occurred in 2006, and for which a person was charged and convicted. Very serious complaints relating to the assault incident in 2006 were brought to my attention late in 2014. An Garda Síochána has since conducted a detailed investigation of the matters raised. Following the submission of an investigation file to the Director of Public Prosecutions, (DPP) in 2016 a decision was taken not to initiate a further prosecution in this matter.
I am further advised that additional complaints made by the same person were referred by the Garda Commissioner to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC). GSOC subsequently submitted a file to the DPP who directed that there be no prosecution in relation to these additional complaints. However, I understand that the consideration by GSOC of some aspects of the case is ongoing.
As the Deputy will appreciate, GSOC is the independent body charged with the investigation of complaints against members of An Garda Síochána, and it would not therefore be appropriate for me to make any further comment on these matters at this time.
