Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Sherlock for welcoming the inquiry I announced. On what the Barrett family seek, I met Mrs. Barrett and her solicitor and we have spoken to them on a number of occasions since. Basically, through her solicitor Mrs. Barrett asked me to do two things: to have investigated the interaction between the family and the Army and Department of Defence, and to organise another inquiry to follow on the inquest into her son's death.

I gave her an undertaking that I would organise the inquiry into the interaction between the Barrett family and the Department of Defence and Army, and I have met that commitment. I explained to Mrs. Barrett and her solicitor that I would need to have sight of the transcript of the inquest before I took a decision on the second request. She and her solicitor agreed that was entirely reasonable. I am sure they will not mind me mentioning it here. Unfortunately, the transcript of the inquest is still not to hand. When I receive it, I assure the House, the Deputy and, through this forum, the Barrett family that I will take a decision quickly on what to do on the matter and the family will not be kept waiting. I assure Deputy Sherlock that I will make a very quick decision on that matter as soon as the transcript of the inquest is to hand.

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