Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The decision was taken that there would be a review of all of the written material, and that decision stands. Many of these families have lived with their concerns over a long period. It is important we take adequate time to examine the complaints and that we give the counsel the time to come to a decision on what recommendation they should make. It would be counterproductive to start dealing with the cases in the manner the Deputy suggests. I want to deal with them comprehensively because I want to see the trends and themes that emerge as well as the recommendations for each case.

The counsel want to progress and finish the work and I am confident that will be completed in the near future. This issue will not drag on for many more months. I am confident that at that point I will be able to respond to the complainants individually. In the normal course of events, many people have concerns about how they have been dealt with by a justice system, and approximately 5% of complaints internationally are held up when complaints are made against a body such as the Garda Síochána. There will be many cases on which no further action will be taken, but obviously there will be cases where further action is recommended by counsel. I will have the overview of that in the near future and will publish as much information as I can when I get to that point.

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