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

The Deputy is familiar with many of these cases and knows the complexities involved and the appalling experience which many people have had. We are trying to see whether there is any further remedy which could be made available to the people who have submitted these complaints. This is the task this group of independent professional lawyers has been asked to assess. This is the reality of the situation. The Deputy quoted an individual case. Every complainant has had the opportunity to give the details. I am sure the complainant about whom the Deputy spoke has had the opportunity to give the full details of his complaint to the independent review mechanism. I would be very surprised if people did not give to the independent review mechanism the full details they have at their disposal. In more than 200 cases people have given further information, and where those conducting the independent assessment have wanted further information from the Garda or the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, in all cases it has been complied with by An Garda Síochána. There is no instance of information being refused by An Garda Síochána to the independent review mechanism. This is the fact of the situation. I accept the point that it will be very difficult for many people to find resolution.

If there is a mechanism open to me and it is recommended by the independent review mechanism, in all instances I will accept the recommendation, whatever it is.

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