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

I have made clear previously that this is a review of the written files, and the counsel have not met individuals. The Deputy mentioned how the time taken already has been long, but that really would have taken much longer. It was never envisaged that it would be that type of process. It is a comprehensive review of all the information, and in several debates on this matter I have made clear on the floor of the Chamber that if the people involved in the cases so wished, further information could be submitted. This has happened, and in some cases where a recommendation was made, further information came in and my Department sent it back to counsel for further attention. While not all of complainants have made clear when their complaints originated, in cases in which they have made it clear, it is possible to state that at least 65 complaints originated before the year 2000, with the oldest complaint dating back to events that occurred in 1969. There is a lot of information involved.

I take the Deputy's point that people may well be disappointed. I believe this is true, because if one has pursued a case for many years in the belief that something was not done that should have been, such a belief may well remain with one and it may not be possible for any legal or administrative action to be taken that would satisfy one's belief or where further action could lead to another outcome. This is what I have asked the counsel to examine, namely, to ascertain whether there is another pathway or if there has been malpractice or if something is clearly missing and some action should have been taken. However, I note, for example, that in the vast majority of complaints to police forces internationally-----

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