Sean O'Brien commendation records
Deputy Thomas Pringle says former prison officer Sean O’Brien should have received a valour commendation after the Portlaoise prison escape incident, but inaccurate records remain. The Tánaiste asks for any documentation and says he will seek an update from Justice and Defence.
I would also like to be associated with the remarks wishing all the staff a very happy Christmas on behalf of the group.
On 18 May 1988, former prison officer Sean O'Brien overpowered and apprehended a prisoner attempting to escape from Portlaoise prison, while under a hail of fire from Irish Army personnel stationed on the roof. Attempts were made in the aftermath to get Officer O'Brien to sign a false statement about the events of that day and a number of inaccurate records are in existence. At the time, he was told he would receive a commendation for valour. That never occurred. A reply from the Minister for Justice to a parliamentary question from me says that the window for consideration of historical cases closed in 2017 and that the issue was out of time. The Department of Justice has consistently refused to release records relating to the shooting incident, claiming that to do so may potentially compromise the security of the Defence Forces.
That excuse does not stand up to scrutiny. Can I ask for this matter to be looked at again and for the Tánaiste to direct the release of all records at this time?
