Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter, which he rightly raises on a regular basis. What I said, and now repeat, is that the Government made a decision to proceed with the scoping inquiry as a response to the views of the Oireachtas. That was a decision made by the then Government. I know everybody in this House will join me in sending our condolences to the O'Farrell family on the tragic loss of Shane.

As the Deputy is aware, retired Judge Gerard Haughton was appointed by the then Minister for Justice in 2019 to carry out the scoping inquiry. He submitted his final report on this tragic case to the then Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, on 1 June 2022. Judge Haughton's final report requires careful consideration and since its receipt, the advice of the Attorney General was sought and has been received in respect of the publication of the report and other matters arising. The purpose of the scoping exercise was to advise the Minister as to whether any further investigation or inquiry beyond those already carried out was necessary and, if so, to advise on the form of such investigation or inquiry and its terms of reference.

My colleague, the then Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, wrote to each Department and agency responsible for issues giving rise to recommendations in the report and on 27 July, she rightly provided the O’Farrell family with a copy of the report on a strictly confidential basis. I also understand, as the Deputy knows, that the Minister, Deputy McEntee, together with the then Taoiseach, met members of the O’Farrell family late last year regarding the content and publication of the report. I am currently giving final consideration to this important report before deciding how best to proceed. I will then advise Cabinet, in advance of which, I will, of course, advise the family.

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