Alleged files on prisoner ill-treatment
The Minister said neither he nor the Garda authorities had received files alleging ill-treatment by named Garda members, and called the claim that such files were available misleading. He welcomed their production and said he could formally ask for them.
asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of a statement (details supplied) that there are two files available on the ill-treatment of prisoners in custody.
Comment on this
I am aware of the statement and, as it was seriously misleading—particularly in so far as it implied that two files containing allegations by identified persons against named members of the Garda have been available to me or to the Garda authorities—I found it necessary to issue a statement on 27 March pointing out that no such file has been or is available either to me or to the Garda authorities.
Comment on this
In view of the statement made, has a request been made by the Minister that such files be presented to him, if such files are in existence? Has the Minister ascertained the whereabouts of the files, in whose possession they are and why he should not have access to them?
Comment on this
Neither I nor the Garda authorities have been given any files. On a number of occasions I said I would welcome any files but I have not been given any and, therefore, I do not know what is in them.