David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am taking this matter this evening on behalf of the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality who apologises that she cannot be present to take it.

The killing of Garda Tony Golden at Omeath in October 2015 was a tragic loss for his family and for his colleagues in An Garda Síochána. All Members will share my view that Tony Golden was a hero who gave his life doing his duty as a garda while seeking to protect a vulnerable woman. Whatever the nature of allegations that may be made, we must have the utmost sensitivity for those who have suffered so much as a result of these tragic events. I think particularly of Garda Tony Golden’s widow, Nicola, and his three children, as well as of Siobhán Phillips who suffered terrible injuries. We should not forget also the grief of Adrian Mackin’s family.

While it is important any issues of concern related to these tragic events are fully investigated, it is essential to remember the various allegations being made are just that - allegations. The truth or otherwise of those allegations has not been established and there are ongoing processes set out in law to do that. It would be prudent, therefore, not to jump to hasty conclusions. Many of the concerns set out were raised previously with the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality and they were brought quickly to the attention of, and pursued with, the Garda authorities in the context of their ongoing investigation and review processes into the shootings and related matters. The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality expects to receive a final report from the Garda authorities addressing these matters when the investigation and review are completed.

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, GSOC, recently announced its decision to initiate a public interest investigation into certain matters relating to these tragic events. It indicated this public interest investigation will take place alongside the ongoing GSOC investigation of complaints relating to these events that were made previously.

I welcome the actions being taken by GSOC in accordance with its powers under the law. These investigations must be allowed to take their course so that the truth, or otherwise, of certain allegations made can be established independently. Without seeking to prejudge the issues involved, it would obviously be of great importance to learn from the tragic events at Omeath. The GSOC investigation should be of considerable assistance in this regard.

There has been public comment on decisions made in respect of charging Mr. Mackin with certain offences.

Decisions in respect of prosecution of offences are matters for the Director of Public Prosecutions, who by law is fully independent in discharging these functions. This independence is a cornerstone of our criminal justice system. It has served the State well and should be fully respect. In these circumstances it would evidently not be appropriate to comment on those details.

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