Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 February 2023
79. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Justice if he will indicate his support for a public inquiry into the death of a person (details supplied) who was killed in hit-and-run by driver while cycling near his home in Carrickmacross on 2 August, 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7662/23]
View answerIn February 2019, retired District Court Judge Gerard Haughton was appointed by the then Minister to carry out a scoping exercise in light of the public controversy surrounding the circumstances of the death of Shane O'Farrell.
The purpose of the scoping exercise was to advise whether any further investigation or inquiry beyond those already carried out was necessary and, if so, to advise on the form of such investigation or inquiry and its terms of reference.
Judge Haughton submitted his final report to Minister McEntee on 1 June 2022. Since receipt of the final report, the advice of the Attorney General was sought and received in relation to the issue of publication and other matters arising.
Minister McEntee wrote to each Department and Agency responsible for issues giving rise to recommendations in the Report and in July last year the O’Farrell family were provided with a copy of the report on a strictly confidential basis. I understand that Minister McEntee, together with the then Taoiseach, met with members of the O’Farrell family late last year regarding the report, both in terms of content and publication.
I am currently considering this important report myself before deciding on how best to proceed in the light of its recommendations, including any further actions.
