Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will appreciate that the conduct of particular Garda investigations is a matter for the Garda authorities and I, as Minister, do not have a role in this regard. The Deputy will also be aware that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is independent in the performance of her functions and it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the actions of the DPP in a particular case.

However, I can advise the Deputy in general terms that An Garda Síochána have always endeavoured to keep victims updated on the progress of investigations. Moreover, since the coming into force of the EU victims directive on 16 November 2015, on reporting a crime a victim is entitled to given contact details within An Garda Síochána for communications about their case. From the same date, a victim is entitled to tell An Garda Síochána that they wish to receive updates on the stage the investigation is at. If they express such a wish they must be provided with information on the state of criminal proceedings, unless in exceptional circumstances where the proper handling of the case may be adversely affected by such notification.