Inquiry into the Death of Mr. Shane O'Farrell

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2023

Tuesday, 11 July 2023

Ceisteanna (68, 73, 82)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

68. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the actions she intends to take in response to the report from a scoping exercise into the death of a person (details supplied). [33958/23]

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

73. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice if she will now implement the decision of Dáil Éireann in 2018 to establish an independent public 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. [33738/23]

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

82. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice the status of the recent report into the death of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33996/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 68, 73 and 82 together.

As the Deputy is aware, on the 3rd of July my Department published the report of Judge Gerard Haughton arising from the scoping exercise into the circumstances surrounding the tragic and untimely death of Shane O’Farrell, aged 23 in August 2011.

I understand that Shane’s tragic death will always be a source of immense loss and hurt to those who loved him and for the wider community.

Judge 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's tragic death. 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.I would like to thank Judge Haughton who conducted the scoping exercise and all of those who cooperated with this process. His diligent work has resulted in a thorough and comprehensive 416 page report.

In his report, 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; and further 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 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. These recommendations when fully implemented will strengthen our system of justice.

I would encourage members and anyone interested in the circumstances of the tragic death of Shane O'Farrell to take the time to read and consider the contents of Judge Haughton's report, his conclusions and the recommendations he makes.