Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Micheál Martin asked a specific question about the book of evidence. I understand from An Garda Síochána that when someone gives evidence as part of an investigation, that evidence is privileged. There is concern that if this was removed, it would be harder to convince people to give evidence to the Garda in other cases if they knew that evidence given under privilege could be released later. The Deputy is correct in stating that there was information which could have been given to the family at an earlier stage and that, on occasion, they learned things from the media. That is a recurring theme regarding other issues as well. It is something that should not happen.

Regarding the suggestion on research being done by the National Office for Suicide Prevention, its budget has been doubled in recent years and it has a budget for research. We will raise with it the suggestion as to whether it would make sense to do some domestic research on familicide. As I said earlier, regarding the best way to move forward on this issue, rather than making decisions or commitments in this Chamber on the hoof on foot of a TV programme that aired last night, we would welcome a submission from the family of Ms Hawe to the Minister for Justice and Equality. We can then consider that, bring things forward and perhaps do something to help the family deal with this tragedy. Lessons might also be learned that could allow the prevention of similar tragedies in future.

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