Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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199. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 283 of 28 March 2017, and in relation to a recent arrest (details supplied), if he has satisfied himself that there was appropriate handling of and investigation into an alleged sexual assault; if there was diplomatic or political interference in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17421/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the incident referred to by the Deputy and I understand from media reports that the man was released without charge and that a file will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The question of whether or not a particular person should be prosecuted and for what criminal offence is the responsibility of the Director of Public Prosecutions, who is completely independent in the performance of her functions. This is a long-standing principle of our system of justice.

My Department has no role in, and would not seek to influence decisions made at any stage of, the investigation, prosecution or trial of alleged offences.

In these circumstances it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further.