Written Answers Nos. 81-98
81. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the recommendations of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate in its Changing Policing in Ireland report, in tabular form; the actions which have been taken on each recommendation to date; the planned actions on each recommendation; the anticipated timeframe for implementation of each recommendation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17218/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast July, the Government approved my proposals for a Five Year Reform and High Level Workforce Plan for An Garda Síochána which combines the Government’s response to the report of the Garda Inspectorate report 'Changing Policing in Ireland' and the commitments in the Programme for a Partnership Government to increase the visibility, effectiveness and responsiveness of An Garda Síochána. Of the 81 recommendations in the Inspectorate report 74 were directed to the Garda Commissioner. Of these, 71 were accepted or accepted subject to modifications. The vehicle for the implementation of the agreed recommendations is the Garda Commissioner's Modernisation & Renewal Programme 2016-2021, the overall aim of which is to modernise and professionalise An Garda Síochána for the 21st century. Key agreed reforms include the roll-out of a Divisional model of policing and further civilianisation.
Government has agreed that the current District model of policing will be replaced on a phased basis with a Divisional one where responsibilities are allocated on a functional rather than a geographical basis subject to appropriate modifications to meet the needs of large rural Divisions and ensure that the close relationship with communities is maintained. Four pilots are in train and are due to be evaluated later this year. The number of regions and Divisions will be maintained at six and 28 respectively for the time being but will be reviewed as the Divisional model is rolled out.
In relation to civilianisation, the Government, in line with international experience, agreed a medium term goal of 20% civilians to be adopted for the overall Garda workforce to be achieved through (i) a 'civilian by default policy to be adopted in relation to the filling of all new posts other than operational policing posts and for non-operational policing posts that become vacant and (ii) redeployment of Gardaí and backfilling by suitably qualified civilians where necessary. Garda management is developing a workforce plan to achieve this.
I have referred the agreed recommendations of the Inspectorate report to the Policing Authority in accordance with section 117A(2) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 to monitor and assess their implementation by An Garda Síochána and to report progress to me on a quarterly basis. I received the first progress report from the Authority in January. The second is due later this month. Given the scale and five-year time frame of the reform plan, the Authority reported that its initial attention had been focussed on understanding the agreed recommendations and the MRP, establishing robust structures to ensure a focus is created and maintained on this priority area of work and on identifying a number of priority areas for attention including to ensure that the benefits of investment are realised. In particular, it has established a dedicated committee to undertake this work area. While the report acknowledges that substantive reform will take time and persistence by the Commissioner, it notes a very welcome start on further civilianisation. I expect that reports in due course will include more detailed assessments of the progress, including actions taken and timelines, on the implementation of the agreed recommendations. I have asked my officials to consult with the Authority in relation to how its future progress reports in relation to the implementation could be put into the public domain.
82. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when revised implementation updates for all Garda Síochána Inspectorate reports will be made available; the reason no such updates have been published since 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17219/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Síochána Inspectorate was established in July, 2006 under Part 5 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. The role of the Inspectorate is to promote efficiency and effectiveness in the operation and administration of the Garda Síochána. The Inspectorate undertakes analysis of policies and procedures in the Garda Síochána and benchmarks them against the best practices and standards of comparable police services. To date, the Inspectorate has completed 11 reports. Their two most recent reports were the Crime Investigation report (2014) and the"Changing Policing in Ireland" report (2015).
The Garda Inspectorate has no statutory responsibility for the monitoring of the implementation of recommendations made in its reports. However, a process to do so was established with the Garda Síochána in 2008 which resulted in the publication of status implementation update reports twice a year on the Inspectorate’s website. The last such regular update was published in November 2013 when, I understand, the process was interrupted due to pressure of work.
However, the Inspectorate and the Garda Síochána are now working towards the production, in tabular form, of a document which will indicate the position regarding the implementation of recommendations contained in a number of Inspectorate reports up to and including the Crime Investigation report. Once completed, the results will be published on the Inspectorate’s website. As the time frame for the conclusion of this work is not clear, my Department has asked for quarterly updates as to the progress in relation to this matter.
It should be noted that the statutory position regarding the monitoring of the implementation of recommendations made in Inspectorate reports has changed. Section 117(A) of the Garda Síochána Act provides for a role for the Policing Authority in monitoring the measures taken by the Garda Síochána to implement the recommendations contained in reports prepared by the Inspectorate.
The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner published her Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 in June 2016. This Programme includes recommendations from the various Garda Inspectorate Reports, including the two most recent Inspectorate Reports referred to above. Key reforms being implemented include the replacement of the current District model of policing with a Divisional model where responsibilities will be allocated on a functional rather than geographical basis. This will be subject to modifications to ensure the close relationship with communities is maintained in large rural Divisions. In line with international norms, a medium term target of 20% civilians to be achieved by 2021 has been set.
The implementation of the Modernisation and Renewal Programme is primarily a matter for the Commissioner. However, the Government decided that the Policing Authority should be requested to monitor the implementation of the agreed recommendations in 'Changing Policing in Ireland' and to report to me at regular intervals. I have received the first such progress report from the Policing Authority. Their next progress report is due by the end of April.
In July, the Government approved a Five Year Reform and High Level Workforce Plan for An Garda Síochána. This Plan marries the agreed recommendations in 'Changing Policing in Ireland' with a major investment programme that will increase the number of gardaí to 15,000; double the number of civilians to 4,000; and more than double the number of reserves members to 2,000. This investment in human capital is supported by a €300 million capital plan that will deliver leading-edge technology and other capital infrastructure to the Garda Síochána. The 2017 Estimates reflect this commitment by providing the resources to recruit 800 gardaí, 500 civilians and 300 reserves in 2017.
The Deputy will be aware that at the Government meeting earlier this week I received approval to begin the process of establishing a Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland. I expect that the Commission will have regard to appropriate structures for oversight and accountability of the Garda Síochána.
83. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the details of communications, orally or written, her Department has had with An Garda Síochána on audit reports into Templemore Garda College. [17232/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra84. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when her attention was first drawn to the audit report published on 29 March 2017 into Templemore Garda College. [17233/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra85. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when the attention of her Department was first drawn to the audit report published 29 March 2017 into Templemore Garda College. [17234/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 83 to 85, inclusive, together.
The report to which the Deputy refers is an Internal Audit Report of the financial procedures in the Garda College prepared by the Internal Audit Section of An Garda Síochána. My Department received a copy of the draft report from An Garda Síochána's Head of the Internal Audit on 16 September 2016. I understand that the draft report was sent to all interested parties for their observations before being finalised. This was in accordance with standard practice on reports of this nature. My Department has been in ongoing communication with Garda management in relation to the Report since receipt of the draft.
A copy of the final Report was received by my Department from the Garda Commissioner on 27 March 2017 and was forwarded for my attention by way of submission from my officials on 28 March 2017.
The Report raises serious issues in relation to accounting practices and procedures in the Garda College that must be addressed comprehensively. Some of the main issues of concern highlighted by the Report include the manner in which the College was run, the existence of a large number of bank accounts and investment accounts linked to the College, staffing issues and issues relating to the ownership and use of certain lands. These are serious issues in relation to governance and accountability in the College that must be addressed comprehensively and the Garda Commissioner, as the Accounting Officer for the purposes of the Comptroller and Auditor General Acts, must take the lead role in this regard.
I have been assured that the Garda authorities recognise the gravity of the issues raised and that they are taking proactive steps to progress the recommendations in the Report. In particular, a Steering Committee, chaired by the Chief Administrative Officer and including a representative the Department of Justice and Equality, has been established to oversee the implementation of the recommendations and external governance expertise and auditors have been engaged.
I am informed that there are several aspects to the implementation of the recommendations that require further consideration to ensure that there is a full understanding of the extent of the issues identified and the implications of the actions required to put the appropriate governance structures and financial and operational processes and procedures in place in the College to address fully the recommendations and the future development of the College. This work is ongoing.
In view of the gravity of the issues raised, I requested the Policing Authority on 29 March 2017 to oversee the implementation of the Report's recommendations and to report back to me on a quarterly basis in relation to progress being made.
86. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the amounts collected in user fees by the Land Registry in each of the past five years; and the cost of eradicating search fees on its datasets. [17243/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table details the amounts collected in user fees by the Land Registry (which is managed and controlled by the Property Registration Authority) in the years 2012 to 2016:
|
Year |
Total Land Registry Fees Collected |
|
2012 |
€26,031,387 |
|
2013 |
€35,542,830 |
|
2014 |
€45,799,246 |
|
2015 |
€55,761,318 |
|
2016 |
€56,442,554 |
Of those amounts, the following can be attributed to searching fees:
|
Year |
Searching Fees |
|
2012 |
€2,363,547 |
|
2013 |
€3,961,630 |
|
2014 |
€3,985,510 |
|
2015 |
€3,850,220 |
|
2016 |
€3,606,165 |
Accordingly, based on the most recent full year (2016), the cost of eradicating search fees would be of the order of €3.6 million. It might be noted that all fees collected by the Property Registration Authority in respect of Land Registry activities are paid over to the Exchequer in full on a weekly basis.
87. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 53 of 16 February 2017 and further replies of 7 March 2017 and 28 March 2017, the number of drink driving offences that were listed in each court; the number of offences that were not finalised, adjourned, bench warrants, appealed, set aside and so on, in the years 2015, 2016 and to date in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17244/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service and I have no role in the matter. Section 4(3) of the 1998 Act provides that the Courts Service is independent in the performance of its functions, which includes the provision of information on the courts system.
In order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have made enquiries with the Courts Service and have been informed that court statistics are not compiled in such a way as to provide the information sought. To obtain the information sought, if, indeed, it would be possible to do so, would be a highly complex process, requiring substantial effort and involving a disproportionate amount of staff time and a financial cost arising from the necessity to engage external support providers.
88. Deputy John Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of reports or inquiries that have been undertaken by the internal audit unit of An Garda Síochána for each of the past five years; when each report started and finished; the number still ongoing; the substance and findings of each report; the recommendations which in each case were made; the number of these which have been implemented to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17263/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Garda authorities that the Garda Internal Audit Section (GIAS) conducts periodic and systematic audits of Garda Divisions, Districts, Sections and Units based on professional audit procedures, as well as undertaking thematic audits encompassing issues across the organisation, and conducting value-for-money type reviews within An Garda Síochána on behalf of the Commissioner. While providing assurances to the Commissioner, GIAS seeks to be of assistance to each area being audited. The overall aim is to encourage and recommend best practice across the organisation by highlighting recurring issues common to different sections and units.
GIAS conduct audits of information and records for the purpose of reporting on the controls, processes, and systems used to manage An Garda Síochána’s resources, money, people, physical assets and information. This allows GIAS to comment on the organisation’s operations in terms of economy in acquiring resources, efficiency in using resources and effectiveness in achieving objectives.
The information requested by the Deputy regarding the number of reports completed by the Garda Internal Audit Section is set out in the table below. I am informed that the audits would have commenced within the previous 12 months of the date of completion.
|
Audit Reports Completed |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
Audits of Divisions/Districts/Specialist Units |
7 |
10 |
6 |
7 |
5 |
|
Review Audits |
15 |
6 |
4 |
4 |
6 |
|
Thematic Audits |
5 |
6 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
|
‘Value for Money’ Policy Reviews |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Joint Audits with Garda Professional Standards Unit |
0 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
|
Reports to Commissioner/Annual Report |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Total |
29 |
25 |
19 |
13 |
15 |
There are 6 audits currently ongoing (as of 06 April 2017).
I understand from the Garda authorities that recommendations made by GIAS are categorised as priority 1, 2 or 3, with Priority 1 recommendations being the most urgent. Review audits are conducted by the Garda Internal Audit Section to assess the implementation of recommendations from original audit reports. Any outstanding issues are referred to Garda Senior Management and the Garda Audit Committee for their consideration and further action.
89. Deputy John Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of vacancies in the Garda internal audit unit; the number of vacancies which were there for each of the previous five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17264/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda Commissioner and I will write to the Deputy on receipt of same.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
As the Deputy will appreciate the Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
I am informed by the Commissioner that the information requested regarding vacancies in the Garda Internal Audit Section in each of the previous five years is as provided in the table below.
The question of additional resources is a matter in the first instance for the Commissioner and then the Policing Authority which has a role in determining the number of civilian staff in An Garda Síochána and also in appointing senior civilian staff, subject to the consent of the Minister for Justice and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
I understand that the Commissioner is developing proposals for consideration by the Authority to fill existing vacancies and to increase the number of civilians assigned to the Garda Internal Audit Unit to enhance the capacity of the unit to perform its role in providing assurance to the Commissioner, as Accounting Officer. I can assure the Deputy that my Department will be positively disposed towards any such proposals.
Budget 2017 provided funding for the recruitment of up to 500 civilians to An Garda Síochána in line with the Five-year Reform and High Level Work-force Plan agreed by the Government in July 2016 to fill the critical capacity and skills gaps in the organisation and any additional personnel resources for the Garda Internal Audit Unit can be encompassed within this.
21 Staffing of Garda Internal Audit Unit 2012-2017
|
Year End |
Staff in Place |
Vacancies |
|
2017 |
8 |
3 |
|
2016 |
7 |
4 |
|
2015 |
7 |
4 |
|
2014 |
8 |
3 |
|
2013 |
8 |
3 |
|
2012 |
9 |
2 |
*up to 13 April 2017.
90. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the Courts Service plans to recruit new staff for the new Drogheda courthouse; when these positions will be advertised; when the new courthouse will become operational; the overall cost of the project; if it will accommodate sittings of the Circuit Court; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17318/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that the new courthouse in Drogheda is currently being constructed as part of a Public Private Partnership bundle of 7 courthouses in various locations nationwide whereby the Courts Service will be paying a monthly unitary charge for a period of 25 years. The new courthouse is a two courtroom venue with an estimated capital cost of approximately €9 million and is currently scheduled for hand-over to the Courts Service on 1 May 2017.
The Courts Service has also informed me that it is expected that the first sittings of the District Court will commence in the new courthouse during the course of May/June 2017. Sittings of the Circuit Court are a matter for the President of the Circuit Court and I have no function in the matter.
The Courts Service does not envisage that additional staff will be required to support court sittings in Drogheda Courthouse. District Court sittings in Drogheda are currently supported by staff based in the combined court office in Dundalk and court sittings at the new courthouse in Drogheda will continue to be supported by such staff.
91. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure to be followed to update stamp 4 in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17321/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned was granted leave to remain in the State for the period to 21 December, 2015. This decision was conveyed in writing to the person concerned by letter dated 21 December, 2012.
The person concerned is required to apply in writing for the renewal of this permission. As my Department's records show no evidence of such a renewal application having been made to date, it is recommended that the person concerned should do so without further delay.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
92. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a review of residency and, as a consequence, passport entitlement can be undertaken in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17326/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned, who is a minor, has been granted permission to remain in the State for the period to 4th November 2018. This position is consistent with the permission to remain granted to the mother of the person concerned.
The Deputy should note that it is open to the person concerned to apply to the Citizenship Section of my Department for a Certificate of Naturalisation once he is in a position to meet the lawful residency criteria applicable to the lodgement of such applications. Details on the criteria to be met by persons lodging such applications are available from my Department's website (www.justice.ie).
The Deputy should further note that the responsibility for the issuing of passports to Irish citizens is vested in the Irish Passport Office, a business unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The person concerned may wish to pursue that matter with the Irish Passport Office should he become an Irish citizen through the naturalisation process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
93. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding residency in the case of persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17331/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that my reply to PQ number 150 on 21 March 2017 also relating to the persons concerned remains unchanged. These applications are currently receiving attention and INIS will be in contact with the persons concerned very shortly.
Might I remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
94. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current or expected residency status and potential entitlement to naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17332/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned applied for a right of residency, accompanied by a right to work, based on their parentage of an Irish citizen child. I understand that INIS wrote to the person concerned on 4 March 2017 seeking documentary evidence to support the application. The application will be considered further on receipt of same.
The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This services enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the email service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
95. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when a stamp 4 will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17334/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person mentioned by the Deputy made an application to INIS, in February 2017, for permission to remain in the State as the spouse of an Irish National. This application is being processed and INIS is currently awaiting further documentation from the applicant. Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
96. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason protection applicants are warned (details supplied) in bold type, in paragraph 26 of the introduction to the questionnaire; the reason this warning was included in the introduction if there was no intention to impose a deadline; if her attention has been drawn to the concern and confusion caused by this warning; if she will ensure its deletion from the questionnaire going forward; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17404/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Chief International Protection Officer (CIPO) who, under the International Protection Act 2015, is independent in the performance of his functions, that the Application for International Protection Questionnaire (IPO 2) is designed to be used by the International Protection Office (IPO) on an ongoing basis and not just as part of the transition arrangements. The questionnaire, therefore, does not and cannot indicate any time-frame for its return. The indicated time-frame for return is detailed with the accompanying documentation.
Applicants have a duty to cooperate, as set out in Section 27 of the International Protection Act 2015 (the 2015 Act), and there are consequences for failing to cooperate set out in Section 38. It is entirely appropriate and necessary, therefore, to include a warning to that effect in the questionnaire. It should also be noted that Section 38 of the 2015 Act, which deals with the consequences of non-cooperation, sets out specifically the procedure to be followed in these cases and gives applicants ample opportunities to address any potential non-cooperation issues.
The paragraph referred to in the Deputy's question points out that applicants may be found not to be cooperating if the form is not returned on time and applies where no explanation or request for additional time to complete it has been received. The warning will be valid as part of the ongoing work of the organisation. The CIPO informs me that adherence to time frames helps to ensure that the work of the office is conducted efficiently and that applicants get timely decisions, particularly those in prioritised categories. For those applications made since the commencement of the 2015 Act, the IPO is asking applicants to adhere to the time-frames indicated.
Regarding the information sent to transition applicants (i.e. those applicants who commenced proceedings under the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) and are now being processed under the 2015 International Protection Act), Paragraph 7.3 clearly states that the IPO 2 Questionnaire should be returned 'if possible, no later than 20 working days from the date of the covering letter'. The next paragraph 7.4 goes on to state clearly that opportunities to add to the information supplied exist up to two weeks, 'if you are in a position to do so', before the scheduled interview in order to 'facilitate the translation of documents if required and ensure that the IPO interviewer has all your papers available and considered in advance of the interview date' . The word deadline or statutory deadline does not appear in this correspondence and no negative consequences for failing to meet an 'if possible' time frame were included or implied.
Flexibility is being provided by the IPO in recognition of the complexity of the process for applicants affected by the transition provisions and the demands placed on their legal advisors by the transitional arrangements - the wisdom of accessing legal advice is stressed in the Questionnaire. A call centre is available to answer any queries and extra time is available if required for the completion of the IPO 2 Questionnaire. It can be seen, therefore, that no impediment or disadvantage exists to prevent the careful filling out of the new single application form.
97. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 283 of 28 March 2017 and regarding a recent arrest (details supplied), if she is satisfied there was appropriate handling of and investigation into an alleged sexual assault; if there was diplomatic or political interference in the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17420/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that management of particular Garda investigations are matters, in the first instance, for the Garda authorities and I have no direct role in this regard, nor would I seek to interfere in such investigations. However, I am advised by the Garda authorities that the investigation in relation to the case referred to is ongoing. In this context, the Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to make any more detailed comment on the matters referred to.
The Deputy will also appreciate that any issues relating to diplomacy are more appropriately dealt with by the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
98. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the name, costs, date of commission, date or expected date of publication and name of the external consultant of all external reports commissioned by her Department since March 2011 per annum in tabular form. [17437/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that it has not been possible to provide the data sought in the time available for reply. The information requested is currently being compiled and verified and I will write to the Deputy again when this information is available.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
