Written answers

Tuesday, 24 January 2012

Department of Justice, Equality and Defence

Garda Investigations

9:00 pm

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 527: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he sanctioned the significant rise in the cost to bereaved families for accessing copies of Garda documents relating to the investigation into their loved one's fatal road collision; his views that a waiver should be introduced for copies of these documents for families who have lost a loved one through a road collision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3934/12]

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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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 advisors 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 the relevant Garda preparation costs. It is for the Garda Commissioner to determine the appropriate level of the fees to be charged and I do not have a role in relation to this matter.

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