I propose to take Questions Nos. 789, 790 and 823 to 825, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy is aware, on the 3rd of July the Department of Justice 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.
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. 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.
Judge Haughton's diligent work has resulted in a thorough and comprehensive 416 page report. Judge Haughton was independent in the conduct of the scoping exercise. I am satisfied that all relevant matters are set out in detail in the published report including those raised by the Deputy.
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.
The work of Judge Haughton has concluded with the publication of the report. I encourage all those interested in the circumstances of the tragic death of Shane O'Farrell to take the time to read and reflect on the contents of Judge Haughton's detailed report, his conclusions and the recommendations he makes.