Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 335: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps which have been taken to verify the accuracy of the allegations in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22688/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the allegations in question. I will contact the Deputy again when the report is to hand.

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 336: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will meet with persons (details supplied). [22698/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am aware from a considerable volume of correspondence that both families wish to meet with me to demand separate independent inquiries into the tragic deaths of their sons — deaths which were unrelated save for the fact that both occurred following detention in Garda custody.

With regard to the first family I have read the Garda investigation file in the matter and the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed no prosecution on foot of that investigation file. At present, the inquest into the death is ongoing. I have informed the family that further consideration will be given to their request for a meeting when the inquest has been completed and a verdict returned.

The circumstances of the first case are quite different from those of the second case. In the first case, unlike the second case, all are agreed that the young man in question suffered serious injuries in a Garda Station.

As a consequence my position in relation to the second case remains unaltered from that outlined by me in my response to Parliamentary Question Number 409 of 6 July 2004. Thus I would be unable to bring the matter further at any proposed meeting.