Seán Sherlock
Question:191. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a public inquiry will be instigated in respect of the circumstance surrounding a person (details supplied). [43992/18]
View answerWednesday, 24 October 2018
Questions (191)
Written answers
The Deputy's question relates to the circumstances of the tragic death of a young man, Shane O'Farrell, in a road traffic accident. As the Deputy will be aware, there is a current investigation being conducted by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission into conduct which may lead to disciplinary proceedings against one or more Garda members. That investigation is on-going and I do not propose to comment on that matter while the investigation is proceeding. GSOC is independent and it would be entirely inappropriate of me to comment where I have no authority to do so.
I have been informed by GSOC that the outcome of that investigation will be submitted to the GSOC Commissioners as soon as is practicable. Upon receipt of the report, GSOC will, in accordance with section 97 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, submit a report to the Garda Commissioner outlining its findings. It will also contain a recommendation about whether or not disciplinary proceedings should be instituted under the Garda Síochána Disciplinary Regulations against any of the Garda members subject of the investigation.
In response to the motion passed by this House before the summer recess calling for an investigation into Shane O'Farrell’s death, the Government must respect fully the independence of GSOC. The motion referred to the need to examine the actions of the Gardaí, the Director of Public Prosecutions, GSOC and the Courts. The Government recognises the failings that occurred in the run up to this tragic incident and GSOC, the independent authority established by an Act of the Oireachtas, should be allowed to complete its investigation unhindered.
Having said that, I want to reiterate the Government's undertaking that when the GSOC investigations are completed, the question of what further action might be taken will be considered.