Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The matters raised by Deputy Ó Snodaigh were serious and he got a detailed response from the Minister for Justice and Equality of the time, as it was an issue pertaining to justice. I will read the response, which was detailed. It is not true to say she refused to meet people but rather there was an ongoing Garda investigation. The then Minister stated:

I am advised by the Commissioner that gardaí are pursuing a thorough investigation of the incident in question and are engaging with all relevant parties with a view to facilitating the safe return of contractors to the site.

I understand that following local protests, construction work had been temporarily suspended to allow for discussion of the issues in dispute. While gardaí encouraged all parties to resolve their differences, there was continuing opposition when works resumed and it was at this juncture, on 19 December, that the shocking petrol bomb attack took place. I am advised that Dublin City Council, quite understandably, felt it was necessary to suspend work on the site.

I am further advised that local Garda management has instituted a specific crime prevention initiative, with regular patrols on the Oranmore Road, Cherry Orchard and Croftwood areas, including the construction site. I also understand that a meeting has been arranged for today, Friday 13 January, between local gardaí, Co-operative Housing Ireland, Dublin City Council and the security firm which is contracted for the construction project.

With reference to the suggestion that criminal elements may be attempting to extract protection money, I am advised that gardaí have not received complaints to this effect. Needless to say, I would urge anyone who may have relevant information to support such a serious criminal allegation to provide full details to the Garda without delay.

In view of the foregoing, An Garda Síochána is clearly the most appropriate authority to deal with the present situation and, especially as a Garda investigation is ongoing, I do not feel that a meeting between us would be appropriate at this time. You will appreciate that it is not open to me to intervene in particular Garda investigations.

This was a Garda matter and the then Minister for Justice and Equality responded quite comprehensively on the matter. As of this morning, I am trying to understand the response that did or did not come from my previous Department and the reasons. If the matter had been raised with me, I would have raised it with the Minister for Justice and Equality, which would have been appropriate. I do not recall doing so as the matter was not raised with me. All I can do is give the facts as I understand them at this point. We will understand more as the investigation takes place.

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