Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 277: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the normal investigative procedure used by the Garda Síochána in following up a report of a burglary; and if this, as a matter of course, includes the taking of finger prints. [29601/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The question raised by the Deputy is primarily an operational matter for the Garda authorities. However, I have made inquiries with the Garda authorities and I am informed that it is normal investigative procedure for the report of a burglary to be followed up by a visit from the Garda Síochána to the scene to confirm that a crime has taken place and gather evidence in support of a criminal investigation. The gathering of evidence may include finger mark evidence, depending on the circumstances of the case.

The role of the Garda Síochána is to investigate alleged offences, to gather whatever evidence may be available and to submit a report to the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP. The question of whether a particular person should be prosecuted and for what criminal offence is the responsibility of the DPP. The DPP, who is independent in the performance of his functions, makes his decision on the basis of the Garda findings viewed against the background of common and-or statute law.