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Dáil
‹ Questions on Promised Legislation

Garda Síochána Bill and Jobstown case

Summary

Deputy Coppinger asks when the Garda Síochána Bill will be ready, linking it to the dropped Jobstown charges and calling for independent investigation and overturning of a conviction. After procedural interventions, the Tánaiste says work is under way on the Bill and decisions of the DPP are independent.

When will the Garda Síochána Bill be ready relating to complaints and investigations by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission? I raise this in light of the news last night that all charges have been dropped against future Jobstown defendants.

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Pat the Cope Gallagher An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

On promised legislation only.

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I named the legislation already.

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Seán Sherlock Deputy Sean Sherlock Labour Party

The Deputy is now eating into everybody else's time. It is just selfish.

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Does this not now warrant independent investigation into why this fiasco began and went as far as it did, in respect of money and the resources of the Garda, and given that the evidence of the gardaí is not now considered fit for a jury? Is the Tánaiste concerned that the only person now convicted in respect of that event is a minor? He now has a criminal conviction hanging over him for the rest of his life. That conviction must now be overturned.

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Pat the Cope Gallagher An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

The Deputy should deal with the legislation.

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All the people have been vindicated and that young man should not have this hanging over him.

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Work is under way on that Bill. Decisions taken by the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, are a matter for the DPP. It is an independent office and that is absolutely in keeping with our system of justice, the separation of powers and the due process approach to criminal justice.

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