The Minister for Justice says the alleged acid attack in Waterford last April remains a live investigation.
The families of the teenagers injured in the incident were informed this week that two of the alleged perpetrators are not going to be charged.
Charlie Flanagan says he understands the upset expressed by the families however, he can't politically interfere in the criminal justice process and must remain independent.
He has been briefed by Gardai and understands that it remains a live investigation and that further files may be considered.
He added that "in that context, I don’t think it is right to make definitive statements on the case at this time.”
Minister Flanagan again expressed his sympathies to the families affected and wished the boys all the best in their recoveries.
(1) Statement I have just received from Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan (Friday 4.25pm)
Re Acid attack boys, Waterford.
"I would like to once again express my sympathies to the families affected by the acid incidents and to wish the boys all the best in their recoveries.— Damien Tiernan (@damienwlr) December 13, 2019
(2) “I can fully understand the upset expressed by the families. However, when it comes to the legal process which followed the incidents I must make clear that as Minister, I simply cannot politically interfere in these criminal justice processes which must remain independent.
— Damien Tiernan (@damienwlr) December 13, 2019
(3) That said, I have been briefed on this case by An Garda Síochána. I understand that this remains a live investigation and that further files may be considered. In that context I don’t think it is right to make definitive statements on the case at this time.”
Ends.— Damien Tiernan (@damienwlr) December 13, 2019
