Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister pointed out, it has been 36 years since Patrick Nugent died in circumstances that have yet to be explained. It is 33 years since the jury in his inquest attached a rider to the verdict saying that it was "far from satisfied as to the circumstances under which Patrick Nugent sustained the injuries which caused his death" and asked the Minister for Justice to have the matter further investigated. It took 32 years for the Department to do so. The ongoing delays by the former District Court judge carrying out this inquiry can only have compounded the pain and suffering of the family. Justice delayed is justice denied. I accept that the Minister and her Department have contacted the former judge, which I greatly appreciate, but I would like her to tell the House today that no further delay will be accepted and that no further extension will be granted.

See this speech in context