Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 December 2015
109. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline her plans to instigate an inquiry into the murder of a person (details supplied) in 1976 and the subsequent Garda Síochána investigation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45575/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra110. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline her views on the request of the family (details supplied) for an independent inquiry into a death in 1976 and the conduct of the subsequent investigation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45629/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra115. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the status of the investigation of the murder of a person (details supplied) in 1976; if An Garda Síochána will carry out further investigations; the level of co-operation by the Police Service of Northern Ireland; if she will ensure that further full and thorough investigations are undertaken without further delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45649/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 109, 110 and 115 together.
As the Deputies will be aware, I have previously met with family members of the victim to whom the Deputies refer and their legal representative to hear their concerns about aspects of the Garda investigation of the murder of their loved one and their call for an inquiry. This case was one of those inquired into previously by the late Mr Justice Henry Barron and examined subsequently by a sub-committee of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights.
I have great sympathy for the family in this case. There can be no doubt that the brutal murder of their loved one caused them untold grief and that there were unacceptable failings in the investigation of the murder. These matters were examined comprehensively by the Barron Inquiry and by the Oireachtas subcommittee.
I am recently in receipt of correspondence from the family's legal representatives with regard to legal proceedings in respect of the matter raised. The matter has been referred to the Chief State Solicitor's Office in accordance with the normal practice. In these circumstances the Deputies will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter.
