Written answers

Wednesday, 25 January 2006

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Garda Investigations

8:00 pm

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 1131: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the actions he has taken and proposes to take in regard to the activities and responsibilities of the persons referred to as the Colombia Three before and since their return here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1398/06]

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 1135: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether the persons referred to as the Colombia Three are a threat to the integrity of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1403/06]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1131 and 1135 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Síochána continues to conduct an extensive investigation into the so-called Columbia Three. To date, this investigation has involved the arrest and/or voluntary interview of persons. Moreover, Garda inquiries of the Colombia authorities are continuing in respect of the use of Irish passports in that jurisdiction.

Documents seeking the extradition of the Colombia Three were received from the Colombian authorities in September 2005. There has been subsequent contact with those authorities and no final decision has yet been taken in the case.

The involvement of any person in terrorist activities, inside or outside the State, is self-evidently a threat to the security and integrity of the State, whether directly or indirectly, not least by threatening the rule of international law.

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 1132: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the success to date of the Garda Síochána in dealing with issues relating to the Northern Bank raid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1399/06]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the relevant issues continue to be subject to active investigation and, upon completion, a file will be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions. In this regard, the Deputy will be aware that the Garda Síochána has publicly confirmed the link between the money-laundering operation uncovered in 2005 and the proceeds of the Northern Bank robbery. As the Garda investigation is ongoing, detailed comment on the matter would be inappropriate.

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