Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I think I have given the details of this very tragic and sad case to the House before.

The recommendation made under the independent review mechanism, IRM, which was completely independent of myself and my Department, was that I should take no further action. Counsel for the IRM pointed out that the appropriate forum for raising matters related to alleged Garda failings was the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, GSOC, which was already investigating certain matters arising from the tragic death in this case. I should mention that my predecessor as Minister for Justice and Equality had referred aspects of this particular case to GSOC, which is an independent body. I stated in reply to a recent parliamentary question that the investigation had concluded and was being reviewed before it would be issued. We must now await GSOC's final determination. I should also mention that a civil action has been initiated against the State in respect of issues raised in the complaint.

We are all familiar with the detail of this appalling tragedy. When the Taoiseach and I met with the family of the young man the Taoiseach assured them that when the GSOC investigation is complete and the final report is to hand, the question of whether and, if so, what further action can be taken will be considered. That remains the position. It would appear that the report is now concluded but under some review, which would be the normal process in GSOC. After the review is complete I imagine the commissioners will examine any final detail, although I stress that it is an independent body. That is my understanding of where it is at present. The Taoiseach has said that we certainly can look at what further action might be taken. I think it is appropriate to wait for the final report.

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