Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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305. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps taken in order to protect evidence (details supplied); and if she will ensure that they are considered, as part of the internal review mechanism, currently underway in her Department. [9909/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The purpose of the Independent Review Mechanism is to examine allegations of misconduct by members of the Garda Síochána with a view to determining to what extent and in what manner further action may be required in each case. The review is being carried out by the Panel of counsel established for the purpose and consists of an examination of the papers in each complaint by a member of the Panel. The Panel is not an investigative body for the re-investigation of crimes or allegations of criminal behaviour. It does not involve hearings, oral evidence or other forms of investigation, such as, for example, the viewing of CCTV footage.

The investigation of crime is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner and neither I, as Minister, nor the Independent Panel have such an investigative function. The examination of any evidence in the context of a criminal investigation is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner.