Dáil Éireann - Volume 470 - 22 October, 1996

Written Answers. - Physical and Sexual Abuse Allegations.

212. Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 24 of 2 October 1996, she will confirm whether the final file on this case has been referred to the Director [900] of Public Prosecutions; and if not, when it will be so referred. [19351/96]

232. Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, in relation to current inquiries into allegations of physical and sexual abuse at a residential home (details supplied) in County Galway, if she will investigate further allegations that a Garda working on this case was prevented from travelling to the United Kingdom with an employee of the Western Health Board in order to interview an ex-resident of this home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19353/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen): I propose to take Questions Nos. 212 and 232 together.

It is not the normal practice for the Minister to make statements to the House about the progress of individual Garda investigations. All I propose to say in this case is that I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the allegations of abuse are under investigation and that a file will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions as soon as possible.