Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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212. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will order an investigation into the handling of a case by An Garda Síochána (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20501/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the case referred to in the Deputy's question.

In the first instance I have to emphasise that, as Minister, I have no responsibility for matters related to Garda investigations. These are entirely within the remit of the Garda Commissioner alone. Where a complaint is made to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, it is for GSOC to decide whether to investigate and how that investigation should be conducted. Finally, decisions related to prosecutions are exclusively for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Having said that, it is my understanding that the Policing Authority has raised this matter with the Garda Commissioner and the Commissioner has indicated to the Authority that he will provide a report to it on the case.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is the statutory agency responsible for the investigation of complaints against members of An Garda Síochána. It is my understanding that GSOC has no outstanding investigations involving either of the individuals referred to in the Deputy's question. Insofar as GSOC is aware of the matters raised in correspondence with the Policing Authority, the Commission is reviewing all matters at this stage.

In the circumstances, I intend to keep the matter under review as the Policing Authority engages with the Commissioner. Should it emerge that any particular action is required on my part, I will, of course, consider that at the appropriate time.