Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 July 2017
83. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on concerns raised regarding the terms of reference of statutory inquires established as a result of recommendations of the independent review mechanism and the need to establish further inquiries in other cases. [32692/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is aware that the outcome of the Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) included recommendations in 5 cases for the setting up of inquiries to examine issues raised in those cases. My predecessor accepted those recommendations.
On 15th May 2017, following consultation with the Office of the Attorney General and with the Policing Authority, Orders were made establishing five inquiries under section 42 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended. The terms of reference are in accordance with the recommendations and the provisions of section 42. In each case, the Order set out the issue to be inquired into, the terms of reference for the inquiry and the name of the person appointed to carry it out. It was decided that the inquiries should be conducted by retired members of the judiciary. Accordingly, five retired judges were appointed to conduct these inquiries. The inquiries have now commenced and suitable accommodation has been acquired for them. I expect that the persons appointed will be in contact with the complainants shortly.
I know that the Deputy will understand that it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on matters which are now the subject of these statutory inquiries.
With regard to the last part of the Deputy's question, the outcome of the IRM process included recommendations in five cases for the setting up of inquiries. Those recommendations were accepted, as, indeed, were the recommendations in the other IRM cases and where those recommendations included some form of follow up action by the Minister, those follow up actions have been carried out.
