Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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617. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which progress is reported in respect of ongoing investigation into the various so-called cold cases; if new evidence continues to emerge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19590/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Serious Crime Review Team (SCRT) is currently engaged in the review of a number of historical cases. The function of the SCRT is to assist the Senior Investigating Officers assigned to the case in question in bringing investigations to a successful conclusion by identifying further investigative opportunities and ensuring that investigations conform to approved best practice guidelines.

Insofar as the reporting of progress is concerned, at the conclusion of each review a substantive report is provided to the Senior Investigating Officer who considers the opportunities for further investigation for dissemination back into the investigative and operational units. Any recommendation of organisational effect is disseminated within the Garda organisation to improve the overall investigative capability of An Garda Síochána. As these matters relate to criminal investigations, the Deputy will appreciate that the reports produced are not put into the public domain.

In addition to the cases currently under review, I am further informed that there are a number of cases before the courts which have been the subject of review by the Serious Crime Review Team and files are also with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for decision as to whether a prosecution should be initiated. A number of cases have been returned for further attention by the Senior Investigating Officer and the local investigation team, while other cases are under preliminary consideration to evaluate the viability of a full review.