Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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157. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the reasons for the current delays in her Department, as well as the Chief State Solicitor's Office, furnishing the Coroner's Court in Belfast with requested documentation relevant to the inquest of a person (details supplied); the reason for delays with An Garda Síochána furnishing the Coroner's Court in Belfast with the requested documentation relevant to the same inquest; if she has discussed this matter with representatives of An Garda Síochána; and the date on which the documentation requested will be supplied to the Coroner. [30483/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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In supporting the important work of the Northern Ireland Coroner's Inquest referred to by the Deputy, An Garda Síochána is keen to provide the Inquest with as much relevant information as possible, in accordance with the law. We are all very conscious of the tragic circumstances of this case and our sympathies are with the victim's family.

In response to a request from the Garda Commissioner earlier this year, the Government approved my proposal to issue a Directive under the Garda Síochána Acts and to make Data Protection Regulations in order to address certain legal impediments to co-operation with the Northern Ireland Coroner which were identified. These measures have facilitated the Garda Authorities in their ongoing engagement with the Coroner's Office to support the Coroner's Inquest. The House will appreciate that this is an ongoing legal process.

I am informed that following a recent meeting with and the receipt of further information from the Northern Ireland Coroner's Office, the Garda Authorities are currently engaged in the task of reviewing material provided by the Coroner as well as identifying any other material that may be relevant to the Inquest. The Deputy will appreciate that this is an ongoing legal process in which the Garda Authorities are engaged with the support of the Chief State Solicitor. The Garda Authorities maintain ongoing contact with the Northern Ireland Coroner's Office with a view to providing the fullest extent of co-operation possible in accordance with the law.