Written answers
Wednesday, 24 June 2015
Department of Justice and Equality
Garda Misconduct Allegations
Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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172. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the case of a person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25404/15]
Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The particular case to which the Deputy refers is amongst those being considered under the mechanism established for the independent review of certain allegations of Garda misconduct, or inadequacies in the investigation of certain allegations, which have been made to me as Minister for Justice and Equality, or the Taoiseach, or other public representatives with a view to determining to what extent and in what manner further action may be required in each case. A panel consisting of two Senior and five Junior Counsel was established for the purpose, all selected on the basis of their experience of the criminal justice system.
The first batch of draft submissions and letters of notification of the outcome of the review have been submitted to me for consideration. I believe that it is in the best interests of all concerned that an independent element should now be brought into this part of the process. At my request, retired High Court Judge Mr Justice Roderick Murphy has agreed to undertake the task of overseeing the preparation of the letters of notification. Mr Justice Murphy will be in a position to independently vouch for the fact that the summaries of conclusions and the reasoning behind them, as set out in the letters of notification, are a fair and accurate reflection of the recommendation which has been made to me as Minister. I believe that Mr Justice Murphy's involvement in the process will offer additional reassurance to those whose cases were considered by the Panel as to the probity and independence of this entire process, from start to finish.
Following the review of the complaint by counsel in this particular case a recommendation will be made to my Department and the outcome will be notified to the person concerned as soon as possible.
Comments
beverley maughan
Posted on 26 Jun 2015 10:53 am (Report this comment)
Dear Ms. Maughan
I wish to acknowledge receipt of your email correspondence to the Taoiseach, Mr. Enda Kenny T.D. dated 15 & 17 June 2015.
The Courts are, subject only to the constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions and the conduct of any court case is a matter entirely for the presiding judge. It is not open to the Taoiseach to comment or intervene in any way in relation to how particular proceedings are conducted or on the outcome of those proceedings. It would therefore not be appropriate for the Taoiseach to meet with you.
A copy of your correspondence has been forwarded to the office of the Minister for Justice and Equality, Ms. Frances Fitzgerald T.D. for her attention.
Yours sincerely,
Michelle McKiernan
Assistant Private Secretary
to the Taoiseach
beverley maughan
Posted on 26 Jun 2015 10:42 am (Report this comment)
I am waiting on an answer regarding the submitting of evidence to the Panel over six months now. I am blue in the face contacting the Department of Justice about it. one question they cant even answer. all I get is the usual - we got your email. I had a headache from that response. I buried both my parents last year who both died of cancer and we cared for them at home. and I am stuck in court with my abusive ex-partner. 25 years of domestic abuse and no-one is this country can help me. the system is a joke. the Garda ruined any chance of a normal life for me. I cant even grieve in peace. I just want to know if the Panel with take my two GSOC files ( I spent six years with them) for consideration seen as they are NOT calling in the complainants. I have tried to get assistance off TD's as well and that was a dead end.