We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation

Shane O'Farrell inquiry

Summary

Deputy McGuinness pressed for progress on the promised inquiry into Shane O'Farrell's death and also tried to raise a separate issue. The Taoiseach said the scoping inquiry should be concluded first and that he had no information on the second matter.

In 2018, the Dáil dealt with two very significant issues. One of them related to the calls for a public inquiry into the death of Shane O'Farrell. It is the tenth anniversary of the death of this young man and two and a half years into the promised scoping exercise being carried out by a judge. At the time, the Dáil voted overwhelmingly to support a public inquiry. In 2017, I agreed with the Taoiseach's statement that a public inquiry was needed. I further agreed with his statement that the case "reveals shocking malpractice and dysfunction in the criminal justice system at all levels". We have a GSOC report but we still have not received the scoping exercise report. Will the Taoiseach now put in place the public inquiry he supported back in 2018 and that this House has been calling for continually?

We were informed by Garda Commissioner Harris in 2018-----

Comment on this

You are over time, Deputy. Thank you.

Comment on this

-----of the suspension of John Barrett. Where does that stand?

Comment on this

Deputies may only ask one question on one topic.

Comment on this

First, I appreciate that Deputy McGuinness is a long-standing advocate for the O'Farrell family in respect of calling for a public inquiry. The Dáil has passed a resolution in that respect. The scoping inquiry was established. In my view, it makes some sense to get the outcome of that scoping inquiry. I accept that it has gone on for a long time. Covid-19 has had an impact on that. However, we need to see that scoping inquiry brought to a conclusion. It will inform the nature of subsequent inquiries then for the Dáil and for Government.

I do not have information in respect of the Deputy's second question.

Comment on this

We can only deal with one question.

Comment on this