Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

An inquiry into the Shane O'Farrell matter should not be an inquiry that would last two and a half years. From having spoken to the family, I know there are many broad issues they refer to, which is understandable. However, when we get to the core of the allegation that is being made, it rests primarily on two points. First, on the day that young Shane was killed, the car was stopped by a member of An Garda Síochána and was allowed to go on, despite the fact there was no tax on the vehicle and it was not roadworthy. The second and more serious allegation is that the accused, who was subsequently acquitted of serious charges but who did plead guilty to failing to stop at the scene of an accident, was previously on bail in respect of offences and it appears this was not adequately recorded by the Garda on the Pulse system. This may have had an impact in a subsequent court case where the accused was before the court but the judge was not apprised of this relevant information.

I know the Minister is concerned and I appreciate her comments in this respect. If the GSOC report comes back, I will be holding her to what I believe should be an agreement that the family deserves an inquiry if the GSOC report indicates there are further matters that merit investigation.

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