Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change)
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526. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a response will issue to a family (details supplied); and if an independent inquiry will be conducted on the decision by An Garda Síochána to not carry out a forensic examination and an investigation of the matter. [35930/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I extend my deepest sympathies to the family involved on the tragic loss of their mother and I can assure the Deputy that my Department has been in contact since last year with the family on this matter. This contact has included a response to outline to the family that it is not intended to establish a public inquiry as they have requested.

As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management and administration of Garda business, which includes the investigation of allegations of criminal conduct. As Minister I play no role in these functions and cannot direct the Commissioner in such matters.

I understand that An Garda Síochána investigated the allegations raised by the family and that two files were submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. I am advised by the Garda authorities that the DPP, who is fully independent in her functions under the Prosecution of Offences Act 1974 (as amended), directed no prosecution in either instance. As the Deputy will appreciate, I have no role in the operations, oversight or governance of the Office of the DPP.

As the Deputy will be aware, GSOC is the appropriate independent statutory body to process and investigate any complaints against Garda members. As Minister, I have no role in investigating complaints of such a nature.