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The Government today (Tuesday) noted the report of Mr. Michael Collins, Senior Counsel, into the practices and procedures employed by the Department of Justice and Equality in response to requests for documents from the Disclosures Tribunal chaired by Supreme Court Judge the Hon. Mr. Justice Peter Charleton.

Mr. Collins submitted his Report to the Taoiseach on 9 March 2018 and it was subsequently forwarded to the Attorney General’s Office for consideration. Following its approval by Government, it will now be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.

In accordance with its terms of reference, the review involves a thorough examination of the actions taken by the Department in responding to such requests, relevant documents and records, the processes used within the Department, and communication to and from senior management and the Minister. The review set out the facts as found, and points to the need to deal with a number of issues.

The Taoiseach welcomed the report and thanked Mr. Collins for his efficient and valuable work. Measures to meet the need for better practices and procedures, as identified in the report, will be taken forward by the Minister for Justice and Equality.

The Government also agreed today to refer the report to the recently-established Effectiveness and Renewal Group for the Department of Justice and Equality chaired by Mr. Pádraig Ó Ríordáin.

The Report is available here.
The terms of reference of the Effectiveness and Renewal Group for the Department of Justice and Equality [the Change Implementation Group] are available here.
A separate statement addressing the findings of the report will be issued by the Minister for Justice and Equality.