Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

95. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will ensure there is an inquest and full investigation of a case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28917/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In relation to the holding of an inquest, the Deputy may be aware that, under the Coroners Act 1962, as amended, a coroner is a statutory officer exercising quasi-judicial functions, in relation to which he or she is independent. A Coroner is responsible for the scheduling and conduct of inquests in his or her district and it is not open to me, as Minister, to intervene in this regard.

The Deputy will appreciate that management of particular Garda investigations, including the allocation of resources, and the identification of lines of inquiry, are matters in the first instance for the Garda authorities and I have no direct role in this regard. I can, however, assure the Deputy that I am aware of the various concerns which have been raised about the case referred to. I am advised that the Garda investigation in relation to this case is ongoing and that the Garda Commissioner has requested the Serious Crime Review Team (SCRT) to examine the case, as a matter of priority, ensuring that all avenues of enquiry are fully explored and addressed. In this context the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to make any more detailed comment on the matter.