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Inquiry into the Death of Mr. Shane O'Farrell

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2020

Thursday, 5 March 2020

Ceisteanna (410)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

410. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a full public inquiry will be initiated into the death of a person (details supplied); the actions of all relevant State bodies in response to their death; the respective roles of each in advance of and following their killing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3390/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Shane O'Farrell have previously been addressed by me in both the Dáil and the Seanad and I have met with the O'Farrell family.

My Department wrote to Judge Haughton on 23 September 2019 to ask him to begin his scoping exercise and to make an initial report by mid-November.

Judge Haughton’s interim report was received in my Department on 13 November 2019 and was published on 17 December 2019. The report sets out the background of the events that led to the scoping exercise. He describes the timeline from the death of Shane O’Farrell; the criminal prosecution of Mr. Gridziuska and its outcome; the coroner’s inquest into Mr O’Farrell’s death; Ms Lucia O’Farrell’s successful campaign leading to the introduction of Section 17 of the Road Traffic Act 2014; the Independent Review Mechanism’s review; and the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission’s investigation and report.

Judge Haughton states in his interim report that he anticipated being able to conclude his exercise within the first six months of 2020.  My Department is in regular contact with Judge Haughton and has assured him of any assistance he needs to ensure that he can complete his work within this timeframe. I look forward to receiving his report as soon as possible.

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