Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 116: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made to date with regard to implementation of the recommendations of the report of the commission of investigation into the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21078/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Report of the Commission of Investigation into the Dean Lyons case offered a thorough independent analysis of the facts surrounding the false confession made by Dean Lyons based on the evidence of all relevant witnesses. It concluded that there was no deliberate attempt to undermine the rights of Dean Lyons. At page 12 of his Report Mr Birmingham (now Judge Birmingham) makes it clear that the Commission had no role in making recommendations on future safeguards and procedures. Instead an Expert Group was established by the then Minister for Justice Equality and Law Reform for that purpose.

The Group will be reporting 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. As has been indicated in this House previously the Group took time to allow it to comprehend the work associated with the most recently published Sixth report of the Morris Tribunal which, as Deputies will be aware, dealt extensively with the question of detention of vulnerable suspects. The Group is now considering that Report with a view to finalising their work. As the Deputies will be aware, these matters have already been decided by the Government and the position in that respect is as indicated in response to PQ No. 2 of 17 April 2008.

In the short period since taking up office I have not had the opportunity to consider in great detail how to best advance progress with these complex issues. I do intend to move quickly on these matters and I am also conscious of the need to ensure that the widest possible range of views is canvassed and brought to bear on settling public policy in this area.