Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 19: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the search conducted by members of the Garda Síochána, without a search warrant, of the home of a respected member of the local community (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3494/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that arising from a complaint made to gardaí at Fitzgibbon Street a search warrant was issued under section 48, Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 by the Dublin District Court for the premises referred to. The search was carried out on 30 December 2005. The reason for the search was explained to the occupants and they were shown a copy of the warrant at the time. A further meeting was held with the person referred to on 16 January.

I am also informed that it is standard practice for protective gloves to be worn by members of the Garda Síochána when conducting searches.

I understand an investigation file is currently being prepared by the Garda authorities and will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions in due course.