Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 December 2017
106. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the actions and investigations being taken on foot of the reports of the Moriarty tribunal; the status of these investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52497/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra107. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the status of the investigations by An Garda Síochána and the Director of Public Prosecutions into the findings of the Flood and Mahon tribunals; the stage these investigations are at; when he expects a decision to be reached; if he has set a deadline for this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52498/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra108. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the status of investigations by An Garda Síochána and the Director of Public Prosecutions into the findings of the Moriarty tribunal; the stage these investigations are at; when he expects a decision to be reached; if he has set a deadline for this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52499/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 106 to 108, inclusive, together.
The consideration of criminal investigations is clearly a matter for the Garda authorities, and likewise it is a matter for the DPP to decide, independently, if any charges should be brought. It is not open to me, as Minister, to set deadlines in relation to these matters and it would be most inappropriate to attempt to go into the detail of ongoing Garda inquiries. I trust that all members of this House would wish to ensure that nothing is said that might in any way impinge on the progress of subsequent criminal proceedings.
I am advised that the position in relation to these matters remains unchanged at present. I am advised by the Garda authorities that investigations relating to the findings of the Flood and Mahon Tribunals, as well as the investigation of certain matters arising from the report of the Moriarty Tribunal, are ongoing. I am also advised that relevant liaison is maintained by Gardaí with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The Deputy will appreciate that investigations of the matters in question may involve very extensive interviews and enquiries. While I do of course appreciate public concern about these matters, I am advised that the overriding concern for An Garda Síochána is to ensure that these investigations are carried out as comprehensively and effectively as possible.
The Government remains committed to supporting An Garda Síochána in pursuing all criminal investigations and this is underlined by the very significant investments which have been made in policing resources – all of which will support enhanced investigation and detection of crime, and benefit ongoing investigations.
This Government has made it abundantly clear that we are entirely committed to tackling corruption, as well as the broader 'white collar crime' area. This was evidenced by the significant package of measures we launched last month. The Criminal Justice (Corruption Offences) Bill has already passed second stage in this House on 15 November 2017 and a date for Committee Stage is awaited.
This Bill includes legislative provision for recommendations arising from the Mahon Tribunal and will substantially advance meeting Ireland’s obligations under a number of international anti-corruption instruments. This major modernisation of corruption offences law will repeal and replace the seven previous Prevention of Corruption Acts 1889 to 2010.
