Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 934: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the Richie Barron inquiry; if he will give the maximum support to Mr. Frank McBrearty Jr.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24616/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The position with regard to the tribunal of inquiry into complaints concerning some gardaí of the Donegal division is that it has completed and reported on a second module of its work in regard to the Garda investigation into the death of Mr. Richard Barron and the making of extortion telephone calls to the home of Michael and Charlotte Peoples.

As regards the person concerned, the tribunal, in its second report, has found that he was wrongly suspected of murder and it is unequivocal in its exoneration of him. The person concerned has recently reached a settlement with the State in respect of a number of civil actions arising from those events.

The tribunal, however, has not completed its task. One significant aspect of the work yet to be undertaken is the question of the arrest and detention of the person and his treatment while in custody. This module of the work will also include the circumstances in which an alleged statement of admission came about. The facts need to be aired and I urge the person concerned, and all other relevant persons, to co-operate with the tribunal at the appropriate time so that the full truth can emerge.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 935: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a new prime suspect has emerged in the killing of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal. [24617/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The death of the person concerned remains under investigation. If the Deputy has any information which would be of assistance to the Garda I urge him to inform it as soon as possible.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 936: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding persons (details supplied) in County Donegal and their efforts for truth and justice in relation to Garda corruption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24618/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The family in question was completely exonerated of any suspicion of wrongdoing by Mr. Justice Morris in both his reports into matters in Donegal. There is an ongoing related civil action against the State and the family's solicitors have been informed that the case will proceed on the basis of assessment of damages only.