Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 March 2022
107. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice the status and details of the progress of the scoping inquiry into the death of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16243/22]
View answer132. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice when she expects to receive the final report of the scoping inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16011/22]
View answer138. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice if she proposes to establish an independent inquiry into the death of a person (details supplied) and the actions of State agencies in respect of this case before and subsequent to their death. [16103/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 107, 132 and 138 together.
I wish to assure the Deputies that I recognise the ongoing pain and anguish of the O'Farrell family on the tragic death of Shane and I sincerely sympathise with them on their loss.
As the Deputies will be aware, a highly respected retired Judge has been conducting a scoping exercise into the tragic circumstances surrounding Shane O'Farrell's death. The purpose of this exercise is to advise as to whether any further investigation or inquiry beyond those already carried out is necessary and, if so, to advise on the form of such investigation or inquiry and its terms of reference.
My Department maintains regular contact with the Judge and has assured him that any assistance he requires to complete his final report will be made available. I am informed that the Judge had sought comments on various sections of his draft report from the parties named in it and he has confirmed that he has received responses from most of the relevant principal parties. Once this process is concluded, I understand the Judge should be in a position to finalise his report.
Once I have received the final report, the advice of the Attorney General will be sought on publication and any other issues arising.
I wish to conclude by re-stating in clear terms that the Government has never been opposed to the possibility of a further inquiry into this case if that is what is recommended. However, the Deputy will understand that I cannot pre-empt any view or advice that the Judge considers appropriate in his final report.
