Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 200: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason fees are levied on the release of documents relating to road collisions to relatives of individuals who have been tragically killed in road collisions; if he will abolish the fee for releasing these documents in view of the circumstances within which they are being requested and the fact that these documents provide the only avenue for victims' families to discover the way in which the fatal collision that claimed their loved one's life occurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3730/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Garda authorities that it is the policy of An Garda Síochána to appoint a Family Liaison Officer to liaise with the family of victims of fatal road traffic accidents and provide timely and accurate information relating to the progress of the Garda investigation of the accident and any prosecutions arising therefrom.

I am also advised by the Garda authorities that persons involved in road collisions, their legal advisers or insurers, or other interested parties may, on written request, be supplied with an abstract of the police report, copies of witness statements and sketches or maps of the scene. This information is not supplied in cases where criminal proceedings are contemplated or have been initiated. Fees for abstract reports and copies of witness statements and photographs are charged in order to recoup costs incurred in the preparation of same. There are no plans to provide an exemption for such fees at this time.

The Deputy may also be aware that there is a statutory requirement for an inquest to be carried out in respect of all road traffic fatalities.