Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 July 2017
84. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to allegations by a whistleblower regarding political interference in the investigation into the disappearance of a person (details supplied) 40 years ago in County Donegal; his plans to commission a public inquiry into the person's disappearance and the subsequent Garda investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32968/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Garda Commissioner requested the Serious Crime Review Team (SCRT) to examine the case in question, as a matter of priority, ensuring that all avenues of enquiry are fully explored and addressed. The Deputy will appreciate that the management of particular Garda investigations are matters in the first instance for the Garda authorities and I have no direct role in this regard. In this context it is not open to me to set a particular timeline for the work which the SCRT is undertaking.
However, I am advised by the Garda authorities that, as part of its work, the SCRT is reviewing the information collected by An Garda Síochána in relation to the case over the last 40 years and has interviewed a number of persons and examined and surveyed a number of places. I am further advised that at the conclusion of each review undertaken by the SCRT, a substantive report is provided to assist in the consideration of opportunities for further investigation.
I have asked the Garda authorities to provide me with a further update on the case when the outcome of the work being undertaken by the SCRT has been considered.
