Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
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44. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will publish the report of An Garda Síochána into the activities of British undercover agents related to the Pitchford inquiry in the United Kingdom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7683/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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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 Commissioner's 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.

The report also stated that the capacity of An Garda Síochána to enter into intelligence-sharing arrangements was vital and that the maintenance of confidentiality was an essential feature of any such arrangements. The clear view of the Garda Authorities is that to disclose the details of any particular intelligence co-operation would impair the ability of An Garda Síochána to enter into such arrangements. I must, of course, have due regard to the views of the Garda Commissioner in respect of these operational policing matters.

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 chaired by Lord Justice Pitchford into undercover policing, I requested a fresh report from the Garda Commissioner on any issues arising. I will fully consider this report when it is available, including the issue of whether it may be suitable for publication.