Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
792. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice if, further to the many failures of An Garda Síochána, the judiciary, the Coroner's Office, the Courts Service and her own Department identified by a judge (details supplied) throughout the report of their scoping exercise into the death of a person, she will now establish an independent inquiry into the person's death as previously directed by the Members of Dáil and Seanad Éireann. [35731/23]
View answerJudge Haughton was appointed by Minister Flanagan in 2019 to carry out a Scoping Exercise in light of the public controversy surrounding the circumstances of Shane O'Farrell tragic death. Specifically, the purpose of the Exercise was to advise the Minister as to 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.
In his report, which I published on 3rd of July last, Judge Haughton has concluded that there are no circumstances surrounding the death of Mr O’Farrell which warrant further investigation or inquiry beyond those already carried out. He further concludes that no inquiry is necessary into the systems and procedures for the sharing of information between An Garda Síochána, the Courts Service and other relevant State bodies operating at the time of Shane O'Farrell's death.
Judge Haughton makes a number of important recommendations regarding bail and suspended sentences legislation, amendments to the Road Traffic Act, and in relation to notices of appeals administered by the Courts Service. I am informed that many of these recommendations are being progressed and as they are implemented will strengthen our system of justice.
