Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 202: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 423 of 16 May 2006 and subsequent events, the way in which it has transpired that the person concerned was imprisoned when they attended court on 31 May 2006; the location at which the prisoner was detained and the length of time; the basis for their detention; if a series of 14 summons have been issued, served or are pending, following these events in respect of offences, some of which the person was unaware of; if it is not a coincidence that the person has been accused of numerous offences in the past three years that they have never been in any conflict with the authorities previously; if a history of the case has been referred to in the context of the recent Garda report; if, in respect of an alleged hit and run, they were arrested as a consequence; if information has been furnished as to the identity of the victim; the nature of the injury or injuries; if medical or hospital reports have been sought or provided; if further charges are pending; the basis for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24123/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I requested a report from the Garda authorities in respect of the issues raised by the Deputy.

The person referred to attended District Court 53 on 31 May, 2006 following summons for an alleged offence of careless driving on 30 August, 2004. This prosecution was directed by the Director of Public Prosecutions. The summons was adjourned to the 28 November, 2006. However, the person referred to was found to be in contempt of court by the District Judge and was sentenced to seven days imprisonment in Mountjoy Prison. A committal warrant was issued and the person referred to was lodged in custody at the Bridewell Prison section and subsequently taken to Mountjoy Prison on 31 May, 2006. On 1 June, 2006 the person referred to was granted leave to seek a judicial review and was granted High Court bail.

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently sixteen summons before the courts or pending against the person referred to. I have no role in relation to the investigation or prosecution of offences and it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.