Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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41. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will publish the O'Neill report without further delay; the reason she has not done so before now; the course of action that will be taken to deal with the very serious allegations against the Garda Commissioner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3664/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy is referring to a report which I have received from Mr. Justice Iarfhlaith O’Neill of his review relating to two protected disclosures which I received from members of An Garda Síochána in early October last year. I received Mr. Justice O'Neill's Report on 7th December 2016.

Mr Justice O’Neill was asked to review the allegations of wrongdoing contained in the disclosures, to make any inquiries with persons or bodies that he considered appropriate in relation to the review and to report to me on the conclusion of the review, including any recommendations which he may consider necessary in relation to any further action which may be appropriate and warranted to address the allegations.

The Report set out in detail the allegations contained in the protected disclosures. In view of the nature of those allegations, and the fact that third parties are mentioned, the Report was referred to the Attorney General for her advice on how to proceed, including the question of what material might properly be put in the public domain, having regard to the rights of all concerned. Advices were received from the Attorney General’s Office which raised further issues and which necessitated further consultation between my Department and that Office.

I expect that I will be in a position to bring proposals to Government on this matter in the very near future. These proposals will obviously be guided by the conclusions and recommendations of Mr. Justice Iarfhlaith O'Neill as regards what further action might be necessary, and will deal with the issue of putting those conclusions and recommendations into the public domain.