Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 May 2006
356 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to implement the recommendations of the final report of the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women’s Rights on the report of the Independent Commission of Inquiry into the Murder of Mr. Séamus Ludlow; what those plans are; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17450/06]
View answerI understand that the primary recommendation of the Final Report that a Commission of Investigation be established to investigate aspects of the State's handling of the murder of Mr Seamus Ludlow are under consideration by the Department of the Taoiseach.
In accordance with several of the other recommendations, the Garda Commissioner has established a review of the murder investigation under a Garda Superintendent, with appropriate staff, who reports to the Assistant Commissioner, National Support Services. I am informed that this review, which has regard to the relevant Northern Ireland authorities, is ongoing.
The proposed Coroners Bill is currently being drafted and is expected to be published later this year. As recommended in the Final Report, the proposed Bill will make provision, for the first time, for a formal notice period of a coroner's inquest to next of kin.
Finally, in respect of the remaining recommendations of the Final Report, these are under consideration, in consultation with the Garda authorities.
