Written answers

Tuesday, 20 June 2017

Department of Justice and Equality

Tribunals of Inquiry

Photo of Jonathan O'BrienJonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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809. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he has discussed the status of investigations by An Garda Síochána and the Director of Public Prosecutions into the findings of the Moriarty tribunal with the Garda Commissioner or with other persons in her Department in 2017; the stage these investigations are at; the timeframe for a decision to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27945/17]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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There are ongoing contacts between my Department and the Garda authorities in relation to the matters in question, so as to ensure that the Department is updated on any significant developments. I am advised that relevant liaison is maintained by Gardaí with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The Deputy will appreciate that investigations of the matters in question may involve very extensive interviews and enquiries. While I do of course appreciate public concern about these matters, I am advised that the overriding concern for An Garda Síochána is to ensure that these investigations are carried out as comprehensively and effectively as possible.

As the Deputy is aware, the consideration of any criminal investigations is clearly a matter for the Garda authorities, and likewise it is a matter for the DPP to decide, independently, if any charges should be brought. It is not open to me, as Minister, to set deadlines in relation to these matters and it would be most inappropriate to attempt to go into the detail of ongoing Garda inquiries.

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