Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the leader of Fianna Fáil for raising this issue. I am very aware of the case and one can have nothing but sympathy for the family of the late Shane O'Farrell for the appalling experience they have gone through and the loss of a very young life in such a tragic way. The Deputy correctly raises questions about the failures that occurred in many parts of our justice system in this case but I cannot pass judgment on any of those. I know the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality met the family and I am sure she is considering the issues raised. I am sure many of the relevant matters are being examined by the Garda Services Ombudsman Commission but it goes deeper than that. As the Deputy knows, the Dáil recently established a commission to look at deeper issues within the Garda surrounding the culture, management and recruitment. We have had very worthwhile debates in the House about the need for such a commission to give public confidence and reassurance to those gardaí who every day go out and put their lives on the line in pursuit of those doing wrong in our society.

To answer the Deputy's question, it has not come to Cabinet to the best of my knowledge to consider the specific circumstances of this case. As I understand it, under legislation it would in the first instance be for the Minister for Justice and Equality to propose issues relating to the suggestion made by the Deputy of a public inquiry. I cannot shed light on whether there is a case for such a public inquiry as I do not have access to sufficient facts and detail on that. It is perhaps an issue that can be raised directly with the Minister for Justice and Equality. I will certainly convey the concern of the Deputy to the Minister.

In the past number of years in the Dáil we sought to establish much stronger institutions of accountability and oversight within the Dáil. We have established the Garda authority and strengthened the Garda Services Ombudsman Commission. We have also established the Garda Inspectorate. No system will be perfect but I hope these new institutions will lead to a position where incidents like this cannot be repeated. It is a continuous battle and I will draw to the attention of the Tánaiste the concerns raised by the Deputy.

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