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

I recognise and commend the courage of Garda Tony Golden, who gave his life in service of the community. In October 2015 he was fulfilling his duties in accompanying Siobhán Phillips to the house to assist her in regaining her possessions. He paid the ultimate price that a member of An Garda Síochána can pay and deserves to be commended for his bravery. However, it is also important that we seek answers in respect of what actually occurred that day. It is the most serious crime for a member of An Garda Síochána to be murdered in this brutal way. It is also an exceptionally serious crime from the point of view of Siobhán Phillips and her family.

It is worrying that the detail of the programme seemed to suggest that the Garda was well aware of the nature of serious offences with which Crevan Mackin had been charged. When he was released back into the community in Omeath, the local police force was not informed of his presence or the threat that he posed. That is the crucial issue. Why was Garda Golden not given information that the force had in respect of an individual who was back in his community and was a threat to individuals concerned?

I acknowledge the Tánaiste's point that these are matters for investigation by GSOC while prosecutions are matters for the DPP. However, when a member of An Garda Síochána dies, we have a responsibility to ensure that the truth comes out. We need to be able to pursue avenues to make sure that this type of situation cannot arise again.

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