Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 338: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied). [39998/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that following an investigation of an incident, a person was arrested, charged with assault and convicted following a plea of guilty. The court ordered compensation to be paid to the injured party, and I understand this was done. I am also informed that subsequently civil proceedings instituted by the injured party were settled before coming to court. Where an offence is disclosed, the matter is investigated by An Garda Síochána and an investigation file prepared for the law officers, who, in the exercise of their independent role, determine the matter of criminal charges against any person. The incident referred to was fully investigated and brought before the criminal courts, where a conviction was secured. As the Deputy is aware, the courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions, and it is not open to me to comment on or intervene in any way in the conduct of, or decision in, any individual court case.