Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)

The Minister's reply is somewhat disappointing as I had hoped it would be more positive. Mr. Hurley's report made some clear, specific recommendations on what should happen next. Will the Minister state whether Mr. Hurley's recommendations are being implemented? Mr. Hurley's report is damning and raises serious questions on the manner in which the Defence Forces operate. The Minister must show leadership by immediately establishing a new investigation, which the Barrett family has campaigned for. Mr. Hurley's report vindicates this campaign.

The report covered the manner in which the Department treated the Barrett family. The Minister has met the family and many questions remain unanswered about the manner of the death, the way in which the body was treated after the death and the reason an open verdict was returned in the original investigation. The Barrett family has had no closure on the death and I ask the Minister to make every effort to have these issues addressed.

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