Written answers

Wednesday, 25 February 2009

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Garda Investigations

11:00 pm

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 95: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made to date with regard to the murder of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7593/09]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the murder of the person concerned is under intensive Garda investigation. The Deputy will appreciate that as the investigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time.

Photo of Willie PenroseWillie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 96: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of occasions in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 in which grenades, bombs or improvised explosive devices have been used; the number of occasions in each year when the Garda called on the assistance of the Army ordinance unit to deal with such devices; the number of prosecutions initiated as a result of the discovery of such devices; his views on the increased use of such devices by criminal elements; the steps being taken to curb the use of such devices, particularly having regard to the danger they pose to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7604/09]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that to date in 2009 there have been 11 incidents involving grenade, pipe bomb or other improvised devices in the Dublin Metropolitan Region. A Defence Forces Explosives Ordnance Device (EOD) team attended nine of these. In 2008 there were 106 incidents and an EOD team attended 93. In 2007 there were 24 such incidents and an EOD team attended at 17.

Proceedings have been commenced against nine persons for offences in 2008 and investigations by An Garda Síochána into other such incidents are continuing. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that Garda strategies in responding to incidents involving pipe bomb attacks are firmly focused on disrupting these activities. Where sufficient evidence is available to warrant the bringing of criminal prosecutions this will be done.

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