Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 42: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received the report he sought from the Garda authorities into the handling of a case (details supplied); the terms of reference of the inquiry he has asked to be carried out; when he expects to receive this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12909/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The substantial dossier handed over by legal representatives of the person central to the case referred to by the Deputy contains details of allegations of a substantial number of serious offences perpetrated against that person and other persons over a prolonged period.

The dossier has been carefully considered by officials in my Department. As part of that consideration it was forwarded to the Garda authorities for examination and report. The Garda authorities have now completed their examination and submitted a report to my Department.

I have considered this matter in the light of the report and the recent verdict of an inquest jury. As a consequence, I have asked Mr Patrick Gageby SC to conduct a review of the Garda files in this case, and he has agreed to do so.

Discussions are currently taking place between officials of my Department and Mr Gageby and the legal representatives of the person referred to on the terms of reference of the review. I expect to finalise the terms shortly and the review to get underway soon thereafter. I will be requesting a report as soon as possible.