Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On 2 August 2011 young Shane O'Farrell was killed in a shocking manner by a Mr. Gridzuiska in an horrific hit and run incident while he was cycling towards Carrickmacross. Mr. Gridzuiska did not brake, stop his vehicle or check on Shane O'Farrell's condition. He fled the scene, abandoned his car and hid it very well 5 km up the road. One issue is that he should not have been at liberty at the time if the criminal justice system had been working properly. He had been in breach of bail conditions 18 times at least and had suspended sentences. He had actually been sentenced to a custodial sentence which he did not serve. He was well known to An Garda Síochána, Interpol and the PSNI. He had an extensive criminal background, with at least 40 previous convictions for a variety of offences, including theft, aggravated burglary, handling stolen property, malicious damage, drug-related offences, including the possession of heroin, and road traffic offences. In June 2010, a year before Shane's death, he was sentenced to six months in prison, but he never served one day of it. We do not know why. All through this, the O'Farrell family, particularly Shane's parents, Lucia and Jim, and his sisters, have been stoic, courageous and brave in pursuing justice for their son and brother who was a talented young lawyer and student who had everything to give in his life.

The entire case reveals shocking malpractice and dysfunction in the criminal justice system at all levels. The O'Farrell family have complained to An Garda Síochána, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, GSOC, the Director of Public Prosecutions and regarding the Director of Public Prosecutions to the Department of Justice and Equality. They are awaiting a GSOC report. It is clear that they were misled by the Garda about the facts of their son's death. The courts were misled by the Garda and others. They were not informed of relevant information when judges asked questions about the accused.

Fundamentally, offences involving a violent death should not go unpunished. I know that other Members have met Lucia O'Farrell and her family. We owe it collectively to them to ensure justice is done.

The most effective way at this stage, in our view, is for an inquiry to be established into all the aspects of this case so we can learn lessons and justice can be delivered for the Farrell family. It would enable the dysfunction within our criminal justice system highlighted by this case to be put to right. Has the Government given consideration to this? I know the Taoiseach and Tánaiste met the O'Farrell family but it is now time for action.

See this speech in context