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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

International protection and murder investigation

Summary

Deputy Nolan linked the killing of Jamey Carney to wider violence against women and asked that international protection rules never hinder Garda action. The Tánaiste expressed sympathy and said Gardaí would pursue justice, with the investigation already under way.

The Tánaiste will share my profound horror at the recent brutal murder of Jamey Carney, the absconding of her so-called partner to Jordan and the wider pattern of escalating violence against women that was raised earlier. Will the Tánaiste also agree that no aspect or provision of the International Protection Act should ever inadvertently give cover to someone or hamper An Garda Síochána in the effective discharge of its duties in terms of releasing information on those suspected of such crimes, regardless of whether they are international protection applicants? Will the Tánaiste accept that absolute clarity is required so that operational decisions by An Garda Síochána are never influenced by any perceived legal constraint? Will he therefore commit to a review of the relevant legislative and operational frameworks to ensure that, regardless of current statutory provisions, no chilling effect is being caused or created that might discourage or inhibit the reporting or public identification of suspects who are also international protection applicants, where such reporting is necessary for public safety or investigation purposes?

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Simon Harris The Tánaiste Fine Gael

I thank Deputy Nolan for raising the issue and I join her and all Members of the House in extending our absolute sympathy to the family of Jamey Carney and our repulsion, horror and deep sadness at what has occurred. This Government, through our law enforcement authorities, through An Garda Síochána, will go to the ends of the earth to ensure justice is served. There is already a very significant active Garda investigation under way, as the Deputy is aware, with pan-jurisdiction elements too, as you would expect. On the broader point I would follow the advice and views of An Garda Síochána on that. The immediate priority is obviously the ongoing criminal investigation but if there is a moment of reflection or review the Garda thinks would assist it from a public safety point of view, of course the Government would take that most seriously.

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