Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I want to join with others in commending the incredible bravery shown by the members of the joint task force in the interception of the ship at sea yesterday. It shows incredible co-ordination and heroism.

I want to raise a different policing matter with the Taoiseach today. The matter was raised this morning with the Minister, Deputy McEntee, by Deputies Bríd Smith and Carthy. I refer to the need for a public inquiry into the tragic death of Shane O'Farrell. On behalf of the Labour Party, Deputy Ó Ríordáin and I want to express again our condolences to Lucia O'Farrell and the O'Farrell family who tragically lost their son and brother Shane 12 years ago when he was struck by a car while cycling near Carrickmacross. This House voted for a public inquiry into the matter in November 2019 and the Seanad voted similarly in February 2019. We know there was a litany of State failings following Shane's untimely death. An inquiry would help to ensure other families would not be failed by the system in the way the O'Farrell family has been failed. As a first step the family are seeking a Dáil debate on this matter and I ask the Taoiseach to facilitate that.

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