Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 291: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he will take following publication of the Report of the Commission of Investigation into the Dean Lyons case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28872/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I published the Report of the Commission of Investigation into the Dean Lyons case on 1 September 2006. I sent a copy of the Report to the Garda Commissioner for his consideration. I also sent a copy to the Expert Group which I established in the light of concerns arising from the Dean Lyons case. The Group will be reporting to me on the adequacy of Garda training, protocols, regulations and procedures, in assessing the fitness of persons to be interviewed and on the recording of any bona fide reservations of an individual member of a Garda investigation team as to the truthfulness or accuracy of self-incriminating statements. I have already stated publicly that I will publish their report. The Expert Group comprises ex Asst. Commissioner Tony Hickey, Mr. Charles Smith ex Director of the Central Mental Hospital, a senior official from the DPP's office and a senior civil servant.