Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

2045. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of an investigation (details supplied) underway within her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1242/22]

Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In February 2021, my officials became aware of an issue that my Department considered warranted an independent investigation to consider whether due process and natural justice had been applied. All parties to the matter were informed of the intention of the Department to appoint an independent investigator.

An experienced independent investigator was selected following a competitive tender process. The investigator offered all individuals involved the opportunity to give their account of the matter. On the basis of interviews and a review of documentation, the investigator prepared a report that was completed in October 2021. My officials reviewed the report and then shared it with the group in question in November 2021.

My Department is currently engaging with the group in order to progress and make improvements to procedures in light of the investigator's findings.