Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 18: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the investigations that are under way into allegations that a small number of gardaí may have been providing information to criminal gangs thus potentially jeopardising investigation and putting other members of the force at risk in view of comments made by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46176/09]

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 23: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of members of An Garda Síochána are currently been investigated, and have been investigated previously, in respect of allegedly assisting criminal gangs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46236/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 23 together.

As the Deputy may be aware, Section 62 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 was enacted for the purpose of specifically prohibiting a person who is or was a member of the Garda Síochána or of its civilian staff from disclosing information obtained in the course of his or her duties if the person knows the disclosure of that information is likely to have a harmful effect. The section provides stiff penalties, fines up to €75,000 and/or up to 7 years imprisonment for conviction on indictment, for persons who contravene its provisions.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a number of investigations in relation to breaches of section 62, Garda Síochána Act, 2005 are being conducted by the An Garda Síochána which are ongoing and, on completion, will be submitted to the Law Officers for directions as to what charges, if any, are to be preferred.

As these investigations are ongoing, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time.