Written answers

Thursday, 2 April 2015

Department of Justice and Equality

Crime Investigation

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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34. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the outstanding allegations of sexual abuse by members of the IRA, both in the Republic and in the North of Ireland; if this was discussed at Prime Ministerial level; if any specific actions will be taken, cross-Border or otherwise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12771/15]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The allegations of sexual abuse by members of the Provisional IRA and allegations of cover ups of these crimes continue to be a matter of considerable public concern. What is of most concern in the current circumstances is the potential for current risks to children in our communities from unknown child abusers – this must be the priority for everyone in addressing this issue.

It is important to recall that what is at issue here are allegations of serious crimes involving an illegal organisation. The Garda Authorities are carrying out investigations on the basis of information provided to them in recent months by victims and others. As those criminal investigations are ongoing it would not be appropriate for me to comment in detail on the cases involved.

The Deputy will be aware also that there are specific review processes ongoing in Northern Ireland in respect of a specific case involving Northern Ireland's Director of Public Prosecutions and the Police Ombudsman.

There should, of course, be co-operation between all the agencies on the island dealing with child abuse. That co-operation, between the police services and between the child protection and health services, North and South, is taking place. I am informed by the Garda Authorities that offences which are alleged to have occurred in Northern Ireland have been brought to the notice of the PSNI and there is regular liaison between the Gardaí and the PSNI.

I have discussed this matter with the Northern Ireland Justice Minister, David Ford, on a number of occasions and we remain in close, ongoing contact in respect of the issues arising generally and the implications of the various investigations under way in both jurisdictions, which should be let proceed unhindered. Officials in our Departments are continuing detailed, joint work on examining issues relating to the establishment of forms of inquiry and they are reporting regularly to us on this action.

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