Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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230. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to physical attacks made on members of a group (details supplied) at a licensed coursing event at Ballinagar, County Offaly on the October bank holiday weekend as members of the group attempted to film the event from a public road outside the course area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47712/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the incident referred to by the Deputy.

The Deputy will appreciate that the investigation of possible criminal offences is a matter for An Garda Síochána and I, as Minister, have no role in this regard. 

It is the role of An Garda Síochána to independently investigate alleged offences, to gather whatever evidence may be available and to submit a report to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The DPP, which is an independent body, will then make a decision as to whether or not a person should be prosecuted and for what offence.