An Assistant Garda Commissioner has been appointed to investigate allegations about the behaviour of gardai in the Donegal division. These include an accusation that bomb-making material had been planted so that the gardai could claim credit for finding it, and their methods of investigating crime.

Fine Gael's justice spokesman, Mr Jim Higgins, said hoax bomb alerts and the other allegations appeared to be the subject matter of the main investigation.

He asked the Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue, if the investigation included accusations "against members of this cohort of the Garda Siochana in respect of attempts to frame two members of a particular family for the murder of a Donegal man?"

He added that attempts had allegedly been made to frame two members of a Donegal family for the murder of a Donegal man, Mr Richie Barnes.

Mr O'Donoghue said it was difficult to discuss the matter in great detail because of the ongoing inquiry, but he had been informed by the Commissioner that all necessary inquiries were being made. He also said that a Garda superintendent had moved voluntarily from the divisional headquarters to a district headquarters in Donegal while the inquiry was ongoing.

The Fine Gael spokesman wanted to know if the Minister shared his concern about the damage allegations of this nature could do to the reputation of the gardai in Donegal who had endured the brunt of the pressure during the Troubles.

Mr O'Donoghue reiterated the action that had been taken so far and added: "I am sure Deputy Higgins is not suggesting that action should be taken in regard to the matter until such time as the investigation has been concluded. A total of six people have indicated their intention to institute proceedings."