36 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in withdrawing a murder charge against a person (details supplied) for the murder of persons at Grangegorman in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11418/98]

43 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in withdrawing a murder charge against a person (details supplied) for the murder of persons at Grangegorman in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11420/98]

51 Mr. D. Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in withdrawing a murder charge against a person (details supplied) for the murder of persons at Grangegorman in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11422/98]

85 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in withdrawing a murder charge against a person (details supplied) for the murder of persons at Grangegorman in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11421/98]

97 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in withdrawing a murder charge against a person (details supplied) for the murder of persons at Grangegorman in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11419/98]

98 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in withdrawing a murder charge against a person (details supplied) for the murder of persons at Grangegorman in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11423/98]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 36, 43, 51, 85, 97 and 98 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that in order for the Director of Public Prosecutions to make a decision in this highly complex case, it was necessary for him to have the fullest possible information available to him. While this prolonged the investigation, I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that the investigation was carried out with the utmost urgency and did not continue any longer than was absolutely necessary.

I would also refer the Deputies to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 102 on Thursday 7 May last when I informed the House that a senior officer is pursuing inquiries with a view to establishing the circumstances which resulted in the person in question being charged. I do not consider that it would be appropriate for me, therefore, to comment any further on the case.