Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 9: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the inquiry into the death of a person (details supplied) while in Garda custody in Clonmel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22192/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The independent statutory inquiry process established by me pursuant to section 12 of the Dublin Police Act 1924, as applied and amended, has been under way for some time following the appointment of Mr. Hugh Hartnett, SC, on 14 September 2005 to conduct it. Mr. Hartnett decided that the inquiry was to be held in private and he is not, under his terms of reference, required to report to me on a regular basis on any of its aspects. He is required to report to me with his findings and conclusions, which I intend to publish unless there are reasons to the contrary.

I have had no indication from either Mr. Hartnett or any other party that substantial progress is not being made. When last I heard of the progress, approximately 90 witnesses had given oral evidence, and the inquiry was heading to a conclusion. It is Mr. Hartnett's proposal to have the inquiry concluded by the summer.

Jim Glennon (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy has one minute until the Adjournment.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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I will be brief. Is the Minister aware of the harassment of Mr. Brian Rossiter's father, Pat Rossiter? This seems to confirm a practice, long established, whereby gardaí engage in serious harassment of people who are brave enough to make complaints against the Garda. Is the Minister concerned about this?

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am aware of some press coverage of the kind the Deputy referred to, and some of it has not been completely fair. As I understand it, the particular incident coming before the District Court occurred at a time before there was public controversy relating to the Brian Rossiter case. That was not brought to the public's attention in the press reportage. The public dimension to the case came after the incident involving Mr. Rossiter's father. I do not want to comment further as I do not know the individual facts. In so far as it is relevant, the incident will be fully taken into account.