Niall Collins (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 354: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if it is legal or illegal for An Garda Síochána to confirm to media and journalist queries that a person has been arrested and is being held for questioning; the legislation and procedures that exist to protect a person's presumption of innocence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38685/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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An Garda Síochána, through the Garda Press and Public Relations Office provides information to media in relation to matters under investigation and other issues relating to the work of the organisation. Appeals for assistance/information from the public are also communicated through the media.

In serious cases, when arrests are made, the Garda Press and Public Relations Office informs the media of the fact that an arrest has been made, the age and gender of the arrested person, where he/she was arrested, for what offence and the relevant power of detention.

I am advised that the Garda Press and Public Relations Office does not identify any person who has been arrested, and that confirmation is not provided in response to any media queries as to whether any named individual has been arrested.