Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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88. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 101 of 24 January 2017, if, as part of the report she has requested from the Garda Commissioner, she has a review of whether any person was convicted of any crime here on the basis of evidence provided by a member of the UK's special demonstrations squad. [6687/17]

Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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89. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 101 of 24 January 2017, if, as part of the report she has requested from the Garda Commissioner, she has ordered a review of all operations of members of the UK's special demonstrations squad here since the squad was formed in 1968. [6688/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 89 together.

When concerns were raised in 2011 with regard to allegations about the conduct of a UK police officer operating undercover in Ireland, my predecessor sought a report from An Garda Síochána. The report from the then Garda Commissioner was received in March 2011 and made it clear that there was no evidence that the individual in question was involved in any criminal activities here. The report also outlined the position in respect of the basis on which co-operation from police services in other jurisdictions might be sought in special circumstances relating to the presence in this State of persons with a record of violence whose identities would be unknown to the Garda Authorities and who might seek to foment or shape violent protest here or to engage in other criminal activities in the State. The report also emphasised the need for confidentiality in respect of any such arrangements that might be put in place.

In the light of developments which have taken place outside this jurisdiction since these matters first came to light, including the establishment in 2015 by the UK Government of an inquiry into undercover policing in England and Wales since 1968 (the Pitchford Inquiry), 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 have been informed by the Garda Authorities that they have met with their counterparts in the London Metropolitan Police Service and will remain in ongoing contact with them in respect of this issue.

As I have stated to the House previously, I will fully consider this report when it is available, including the issue of whether it may be suitable for publication.

My colleague Minister Flanagan met with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland yesterday and, as part of their wider discussions, raised with him concerns that have been expressed in this House on matters relating to the Pitchford Inquiry. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland agreed to convey those concerns to the Home Secretary.