Liam Farrell investigation
Martin Kenny raised the RTÉ Investigates programme on Liam Farrell's death and asked for a meeting with the family and a proper investigation. The Minister said he had no difficulty meeting them, but could not do so immediately because of another committee commitment.
As the Minister is aware, the week before last there was an "RTÉ Investigates" programme on the death of Liam Farrell, a man in Roosky, County Leitrim, who was found dead on his back door in January 2020. The situation the programme exposed was a very lacklustre investigation by An Garda Síochána. Anyone who saw it - I am sure the Minister did and I know he is aware of the case - was shocked as to what had transpired. The family, Liam Farrell's son and his wife, are here today and they are looking to have a meeting with the Minister in respect of this. They are looking for a proper investigation into what happened. The investigation the Garda carried out was completely inadequate. Liam Farrell did not get a proper post mortem. There was no forensic post mortem. The scene of the crime was not sealed off properly; it was compromised. The man's body was covered in blood and there was bruising all over the body. It was a scene where everyone who was there, including the family and other people who were there, recognised he was the victim of an assault and yet there was no proper investigation carried out into it. Will the Minister meet the family and ensure there is a proper investigation into this situation?
Comment on this
At the outset, I should say that I have no difficulty meeting the family. I am happy to meet the family. In fact, I was down in Carrick-on-Shannon on 8 September last and Deputy Scanlon asked me to meet the family. I agreed to meet them on 8 September but unfortunately it did not suit them. There is no issue with me meeting them. I am due in front of the justice committee, chaired by the Deputy's colleague, Deputy Carthy, at 3.30 p.m. so it is going to be difficult for me to meet the Farrells today or right now but I have no difficulty meeting them at some convenient time in the future. I saw the "RTÉ Investigates" documentary and I am aware of the case of Mr. Farrell. By the way, I extend my condolences to his son Brendan and all the family. I have discussed it with the former Garda Commissioner and the current Commissioner but rather than give a narrative here as to what I have been apprised of, I am happy to meet with them. I cannot do it today-----
Comment on this
-----unless Deputy Carthy is happy to put back the committee meeting and I will meet the Farrells. I am conscious they are here but if Deputy Carthy cannot, I will not be able to meet them now.