Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Garda Tony Golden lost his life in October 2015 serving his community. His death on that day has robbed the Golden family of a dearly loved husband, father, brother and son. A young woman suffered serious injuries as a result of the events of that day and she has also endured a great deal. It is important that we are sensitive to those who suffered so greatly as a result of the dreadful events in Omeath.

As the Deputy is aware, in late 2017 I received a report from the Garda Commissioner in regard to the review by the Garda authorities of the events surrounding the fatal shooting of Garda Golden. Conscious of the gravity of the matter and concerns expressed publicly by local public representatives, I decided in the public interest to publish the Garda report by laying it before the Houses. Following consultation with the Attorney General and the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, the report was subject to a number of minor but necessary redactions for legal, data protection and security reasons.

I would emphasise that the key and clear finding of the review was that the actions of Garda Tony Golden were beyond reproach.  He was an exemplary member of An Garda Síochána.

While the report highlights, inter alia, that two incidents of domestic violence were not recorded in accordance with the relevant policy and procedures, the report indicates it does not appear that the classification of the incidents was a causative factor in these tragic events in the night of the shootings.

The House should note that certain allegations in respect of the tragic events at Omeath are the subject of two investigations by GSOC and that these investigations are ongoing.  GSOC, as the Deputy will appreciate, carries out its work independently and it is essential that it should be allowed to do so without hindrance.

Since these dreadful events, I am informed that An Garda Síochána has taken necessary actions in a number of areas, especially in supporting vulnerable victims of crime, particularly where incidents of criminality occur in a domestic setting. I note also that the Policing Authority continues to monitor the work of An Garda Síochána on the classification of crime.

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