Written answers

Tuesday, 17 January 2017

Department of Justice and Equality

Policing Co-operation

Photo of Clare DalyClare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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148. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps she will take to put in place a mechanism such that the actions of a person (details supplied) here may be scrutinised by the Pitchford inquiry and they may be held accountable for their actions while here. [41806/16]

Photo of Clare DalyClare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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149. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality when the report by the Garda Commissioner into the activities of a person (details supplied) while here will be published. [41807/16]

Photo of Clare DalyClare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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150. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will make representations to the British Home Office to the effect that the Pitchford inquiry extends its terms of reference to include the Republic of Ireland. [41808/16]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 to 150, inclusive, together.

As the Deputy will be aware, allegations regarding an undercover police officer in this jurisdiction were first made public in 2011. A report was sought from the Garda Commissioner on the matter at that time and that report was provided to my predecessor in March 2011. The report noted that no evidence had been established that the person in question had been involved in any criminal activity while in this jurisdiction. That said, if any evidence of any criminal wrongdoing is available it should be brought to the Garda Authorities in order that it might be fully investigated.

As I have stated to the House previously, in the light of developments which have taken place outside this jurisdiction since these matters first came to light, including the establishment by the UK Government of an inquiry (the Pitchford Inquiry) into undercover policing, I requested a fresh report from the Garda Commissioner on any issues arising. In seeking that report, I have not sought to circumscribe in any way the information which the Garda Commissioner would provide. I will fully consider this report when it is available, including the issue of whether it may be suitable for publication.

The establishment of the Pitchford Inquiry into undercover policing is a matter for the UK Government and the question of my seeking to have its terms of reference extended does not arise. I would, however, reiterate the point I have made previously that should anything emerge from the findings of the Pitchford Inquiry that would be relevant to policing in this jurisdiction I will consider it fully and take any action that may be required.

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