Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister spoke of allegations but what I quoted are statements of fact outlined in the Garda's report. The Minister has repeatedly made reference to GSOC. It is stating very clearly that it does not have the resources or the capability to reach this. That is not a satisfactory answer for the family or with respect to the matters of public interest. This is clearly an issue that needs to be dealt with. I believe it requires a public inquiry.

The review report states that a comprehensive investigation file was forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions on 10 May 2017. However, the Minister responded to Deputy Adams in December last, six or seven months after that, that the criminal investigation by the Garda Síochána was still ongoing. Therefore, why was the family not informed of this development in May 2017 and why, when the matter was raised with the Minister, was Deputy Adams not told that the investigation had concluded? Clearly, it had concluded six or seven months in advance of that. I would like an answer to that question. How did it happen that either the Minister was not informed or did not put the correct information on the record and why was the family not informed in an appropriate way? It is clear that if GSOC is not capable resource-wise, or otherwise, of dealing with this matter, surely there is a need for a public inquiry.

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