David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The House would appreciate that the matters involved in this case are evidently complex and sensitive. I urge against rushing to judgment about the allegations made. There are processes in place and appropriate powers under the law for the relevant authorities to investigate and seek the truth of these allegations. It serves nobody, least of all the victims and their families, to seek to short-circuit these processes. The Garda authorities are pursuing their investigation into these events and the Tánaiste has been assured that every effort has been made to conclude these ongoing processes without delay. However, it is essential to ensure they are handled properly and comprehensively.

As the House would appreciate, GSOC is the body established in law to investigate complaints about the conduct of members of An Garda Síochána. We must also be conscious of the fact GSOC has carried out investigations into these matters in accordance with its powers under the law and it is important those GSOC investigations should be allowed to take their course. With regard to a possible public inquiry, I have set out for the Deputy actions that are ongoing both by Garda authorities and GSOC in respect of the allegations being made in this case. It is imperative those processes should be allowed to take place. Until they are completed there are no plans to hold an inquiry.

There has been commentary about Mr. Mackin having been granted bail in respect of the charges he faced before the Special Criminal Court. The granting or not of bail and trial of offences are, as the House knows, a matter for the courts. The Judiciary exercises its functions entirely independently, subject only to the Constitution and the law.

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