Menu
23/02/2010
Minister Faces 'Grave Allegation'
There are calls today for the Green's Minister of State, Trevor Sargent, to face questions in the Daíl after he told a national newspaper he had written to Gardaí about a prosecution.
The Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy said he has asked for an urgent report after claims emerged that Minister Sargent wrote to a garda seeking to have charges against one of his constituents dropped.
The constituent was later convicted of threatening and abusive behaviour and fined €500.
Today, the two largest Opposition parties, Fine Gael and Labour have called for Mr Sargent to face questions in the Daíl over what have been called "grave allegations".
The Labour party's spokesperson on Justice Pat Rabbitte said an attempt by the Green Minister of State Trevor Sargent to influence the Gardai to drop a prosecution against a constituent would be a "grave matter" that required an immediate Dail statement from Deputy Sargent.
"For a member of the Dail to attempt to influence the Gardai to drop a prosecution in this way is, to use Minister Sargent’s own phrase, totally inappropriate. It is even more serious when it involves a government minister and when the letter is written on Departmental paper. Indeed his conduct may possibly be unlawful under Section six of the 1974 Prosecution of Offences Act," Mr Rabitte said.
He added: "The fact that the person concerned was subsequently convicted and had a significant fine imposed on him raises even more serious questions about Minister Sargent’s conduct and his judgement.
"Given that a spokesperson for the Green Party has confirmed that the letter was sent it is essential that the Taoiseach requires Minister Sargent to come into the Dail, to make a detailed personal statement on the matter and take questions on his conduct.
Meanwhile, Fine Gael Justice Spokesperson Charlie Flanagan is to raise the matter in the Dáil this afternoon.
Mr Flanagan said the issue is a resignation matter if the story stands up and has said Green Party leader John Gormley should act.
(DW/BMcC)
The Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy said he has asked for an urgent report after claims emerged that Minister Sargent wrote to a garda seeking to have charges against one of his constituents dropped.
The constituent was later convicted of threatening and abusive behaviour and fined €500.
Today, the two largest Opposition parties, Fine Gael and Labour have called for Mr Sargent to face questions in the Daíl over what have been called "grave allegations".
The Labour party's spokesperson on Justice Pat Rabbitte said an attempt by the Green Minister of State Trevor Sargent to influence the Gardai to drop a prosecution against a constituent would be a "grave matter" that required an immediate Dail statement from Deputy Sargent.
"For a member of the Dail to attempt to influence the Gardai to drop a prosecution in this way is, to use Minister Sargent’s own phrase, totally inappropriate. It is even more serious when it involves a government minister and when the letter is written on Departmental paper. Indeed his conduct may possibly be unlawful under Section six of the 1974 Prosecution of Offences Act," Mr Rabitte said.
He added: "The fact that the person concerned was subsequently convicted and had a significant fine imposed on him raises even more serious questions about Minister Sargent’s conduct and his judgement.
"Given that a spokesperson for the Green Party has confirmed that the letter was sent it is essential that the Taoiseach requires Minister Sargent to come into the Dail, to make a detailed personal statement on the matter and take questions on his conduct.
Meanwhile, Fine Gael Justice Spokesperson Charlie Flanagan is to raise the matter in the Dáil this afternoon.
Mr Flanagan said the issue is a resignation matter if the story stands up and has said Green Party leader John Gormley should act.
(DW/BMcC)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 February 2010
Rumours 'Beneath Contempt' As Sargent Resigns
The Government has said allegations that a leak leading to Coalition Minister Trevor Sargent's swift resignation had come from within Fianna Fail are "beneath contempt".
Rumours 'Beneath Contempt' As Sargent Resigns
The Government has said allegations that a leak leading to Coalition Minister Trevor Sargent's swift resignation had come from within Fianna Fail are "beneath contempt".
29 November 2019
New National LGBTQ+ Inclusion Strategy Launched
A new National Inclusion Strategy for Ireland's LGBTQ+ communities has been launched by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan, and the Minister of State with special responsibility for Equality, Immigration and Integration, David Stanton.
New National LGBTQ+ Inclusion Strategy Launched
A new National Inclusion Strategy for Ireland's LGBTQ+ communities has been launched by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan, and the Minister of State with special responsibility for Equality, Immigration and Integration, David Stanton.
15 January 2013
Garda Sargent Wins Sexual Assault Appeal
A Garda sergeant has won his appeal against his conviction for sexually assaulting a female colleague. 49-year-old Martin Woods had pleaded not guilty to a sexual assault charge but had been convicted and fined €1,000 following a hearing at Dublin District Court last March.
Garda Sargent Wins Sexual Assault Appeal
A Garda sergeant has won his appeal against his conviction for sexually assaulting a female colleague. 49-year-old Martin Woods had pleaded not guilty to a sexual assault charge but had been convicted and fined €1,000 following a hearing at Dublin District Court last March.
13 September 2016
Minister Flanagan To Meet NI Secretary Of State
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan, is due to meet James Brokenshire, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, today to sign an international agreement in Dublin between the Irish and British Governments.
Minister Flanagan To Meet NI Secretary Of State
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan, is due to meet James Brokenshire, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, today to sign an international agreement in Dublin between the Irish and British Governments.
15 July 2016
Minister Flanagan Welcomes New Secretary Of State For NI
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan, has welcomed the appointment of James Brokenshire as the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. "I warmly congratulate James Brokenshire on his appointment as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and hope to have the opportunity of an early meeting with him," Minister Flanagan said.
Minister Flanagan Welcomes New Secretary Of State For NI
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan, has welcomed the appointment of James Brokenshire as the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. "I warmly congratulate James Brokenshire on his appointment as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and hope to have the opportunity of an early meeting with him," Minister Flanagan said.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
