Garda Investigations.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 February 2009

Wednesday, 25 February 2009

Questions (47)

Willie Penrose

Question:

69 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received communication from the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission regarding a possible public interest inquiry into the circumstances in which serious drug charges against a person (details supplied) were dropped; if the internal Garda inquiry into the same affair has been concluded; if he has received a report from the gardaí on their inquiry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7603/09]

Written answers

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

I have previously informed the House that I received an interim report from the Garda Commissioner on this particular case. I am informed by the Garda authorities that an internal Garda inquiry into the matter is ongoing. The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission has indicated that it has opened a public interest investigation in relation to the withdrawing of charges against an individual. In the circumstances, I believe that it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment about the case at present. If action is required on my part then, of course, I will take it.