I acknowledge the agreement of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Coveney, to speak with the Secretary of State on the issue of the waste disposal facility discussed earlier. I also acknowledge the replies to parliamentary questions on the issue today.

My question is addressed to the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan. The family of Shane O'Farrell, as we all know, has been calling for a public inquiry. This Dáil fully endorsed such an inquiry in June 2018. Why has the Minister decided to appoint Judge Haughton to carry out a scoping inquiry, rather than granting the wishes of the majority of people in this House and commencing a public inquiry? It is clear a scoping inquiry has limited power and only a fully independent inquiry can deliver answers to the numerous serious concerns and the litany of failures in this case. Would the Minister care to comment on why this is a scoping inquiry rather than what was called for by this Dáil?

I am very keen to ensure progress is reported on this long-outstanding issue in order to provide the O'Farrell family and the community with answers. There is an extensive debate on a motion this afternoon in the Upper House. I would be happy to deal with the matter more comprehensively by way of a Commencement debate attached to the motion. I assure Deputy Breathnach that the scoping exercises under the auspices and guidance of Judge Gerard Haughton will be an important part of ensuring that outstanding questions are answered. I look forward to hearing from Judge Haughton within eight weeks of the date of commencement of his work.