Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to start by welcoming the family of Shane O'Farrell here today. I offer my deepest sympathies to the family, who have gone through what is a tragic situation and a tragic story. The tragic story of Shane O'Farrell's untimely death in a hit-and-run in 2011 serves as a powerful example of a family's unwavering pursuit of justice. Shane's life was cut short by Zigimantas Gridziuska, a man with a troubling criminal history. The O'Farrell family, devastated by their loss, embarked on an eight-year journey to uncover the truth suspecting errors and cover-ups in the investigation. The independent reviews raised concerns about previous inquiries, leading to a call for a full public inquiry in 2018. The family sought to expand the inquiry scope, including Gridziuska's past crimes and the inquest handling. The process was frustrating, as Judge Gerard Haughton initially proposed broad terms but later narrowed them, leaving the family the inquiry was intentionally restricted. The scoping exercise report's conclusions were questioned for adopting a victim-blaming narrative and claiming no further inquiry was needed. The central question remains, why was Gridziuska not behind bars? This raises concerns about potential connections as a Garda informer. The Minister's assertion that no further inquiry is needed intensifies the family's resolve for justice. While we acknowledge improvements in the justice system as per Judge Haughton's recommendations, the O'Farrell family continues their quest citing inaccuracies and incompleteness in the report highlighting systematic issues in the Irish justice system.

Shane O'Farrell's story and his family's pursuit of justice reminds us of the need for accountability, transparency and reform in our justice system. It calls for legal reforms to prevent such journeys for justice in the future. As a society, we must support their call for change, stand in solidarity and address systematic issues to ensure justice prevails, not only for Shane's family but for all seeking fairness and truth with our legal system. I, like others here today, call for a public inquiry.

See this speech in context