As the Deputy is aware, an investigation was undertaken by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission into certain matters related to the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Shane O'Farrell. The purpose of the investigation was to assess whether the conduct of any Garda member would constitute an offence. GSOC’s investigation found that, while no such conduct occurred which would require criminal sanction, certain aspects were identified as requiring further investigation which may lead to disciplinary proceedings against one or more members. That further investigation by GSOC is on-going and I do not propose to comment on that matter while the investigation is proceeding.
As I have made clear to the House, both in response to the motion calling for an investigation and subsequently in response to various Parliamentary Questions, it is imperative that the independence of the Ombudsman Commission be respected and any further action be deferred until the current investigation is completed. I reiterate the point that the question of what further action might be taken will be fully considered by Government as soon as the disciplinary investigation is completed.