Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Gardaí have to be free to investigate crime without political interference of any kind. That is why it is exclusively a matter for An Garda Síochána to decide, in accordance with the law, who is to be arrested and detained as part of any investigation. Equally, it is a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions to decide whether people are charged and matters are consequently put before the courts. People who have any complaints about the manner in which they have been dealt with by An Garda Síochána can make those complaints to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. It is important for Members of the House to remember that this country is governed by the rule of law. We should let the law take its course without interference or hindrance from anybody. It would clearly be wrong of me to say anything that would interfere in any way with any investigation.

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