Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 May 2017
69. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will consider a public inquiry into the death of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24335/17]
View answerAs I have already explained to the Deputy, this tragic case was considered under the Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) and the recommendation was that I should take no further action. Counsel for the IRM pointed out that the appropriate forum for raising matters related to alleged Garda failings was the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) who were already investigating certain matters arising from the tragic death in this case. I should mention that my predecessor as Minister for Justice and Equality had referred aspects of this particular case to GSOC.
As the Deputy is aware, GSOC is an independent statutory body and the manner in which they conduct their investigation is a matter for them. As I stated in reply to a recent Parliamentary Question in relation to this case the GSOC investigation has concluded and the report is being reviewed. We must now await their final determination. I should also mention that a civil action has been initiated against the State in respect of issues raised in the complaint.
When the Taoiseach and I met with the family of the deceased young man, the Taoiseach assured them that when the GSOC investigation is completed and the final report is to hand the question of whether, and if so, what further action can be taken, will be considered. That remains the position.
I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that in the circumstances it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.
