Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
739. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he intends to establish a formal review or inquiry into the recent prosecution of a number of Gardaí in the Limerick area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14081/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Director of Public Prosecutions is independent under the Prosecution of Offences Act, 1974 (as amended). The courts are also independent under the Constitution and the law, and the judiciary forms a separate branch of government. Additionally, An Garda Síochána, as the national police service, are operationally independent under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024.
These are cornerstone principles of our criminal justice system and it is important that all the key elements of the system, from investigators, to prosecutors to judges and juries, are independent of the Government in the exercise of their functions.
It is also important to recall that all persons accused of offences before the courts are innocent until proven guilty. That principle is at the heart of our criminal justice system. The fact that a case ends with an acquittal does not indicate a failure of the system. Instead, it serves to underscore that it is robust, fair and impartial.
In this particular case, the serving Gardaí and retired Garda superintendent were all acquitted and the serving members of An Garda Síochána involved in this case have had their suspensions lifted by the Garda Commissioner.
