Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 763: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average time between an admission to Gardaí as to the commission of the offence of assault and the commencement of the trial. [29543/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that even where an admission of assault has been made to An Garda Síochána, there is an obligation on the Force to ensure that the matter is thoroughly investigated and all relevant facts established. The length of such investigation will vary from case to case, depending on the particular circumstances of the case, including the nature of the injuries and the number of witnesses. Following the taking of a decision to institute criminal proceedings in a particular case, factors such as whether the case is proceeding by way of charge or summons and whether the case is being tried summarily or on indictment will impact on the timeframe for the commencement of the trial.

It is not possible to provide the information sought by the Deputy, on the length of time from an admission by an offender to committing an assault offence to an appearance before a court for that offence, without a disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources.