The handling by An Garda Síochána of a domestic violence complaint against Garda Trevor Bolger is hugely concerning. When his ex-wife, Margaret Loftus, first disclosed Bolger's attack on her, she said it seemed impossible to get anyone to take it seriously. She even had to watch as Bolger was promoted to detective and issued with a firearm after she had raised the issue. Ms Loftus had to compile her own case file before an investigation started. Bolger was eventually charged in 2019 and on Friday pleaded guilty to assault. However, it has now been revealed that a Garda investigation was launched when the media first reported the details of the case in 2020. The security and crime editor of The Irish Times, Conor Lally, was interviewed as part of this inquiry. Having dragged their heels in investigating Bolger, no such reticence was shown by gardaí in investigating journalists. This is despite the fact the case had been mentioned in open court and the media were fully entitled to cover it. Is the Minister concerned about the case? Has he asked the Garda Commissioner why an investigation was launched into the media? Is he satisfied that domestic violence complaints made against gardaí are treated appropriately?

I am satisfied that An Garda Síochána now takes seriously complaints of domestic violence. I am concerned about the detail provided by the brave Margaret Loftus in respect of how she was concerned that her complaint was not initially taken seriously. However, I recognise that she acknowledges the excellent work done by the investigating gardaí, who got her case and then pursued it relentlessly. In particular, the garda involved in that is the current Commissioner, Justin Kelly. I acknowledge her concerns, but I have to say that when you look at the top of the organisation of An Garda Síochána, it is an organisation that takes these complaints-----

What about the case against the media?

-----extremely seriously.