Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)

I pay tribute to you Lucia and the O'Farrell family, Jim, Gemma, Pia, Amy and Hannah, for your unwavering quest for justice for your son and brother, Shane. You have fought so insistently and so strongly for so long. Shane's life was cut short so cruelly 14 years ago on 2 August 2011 and I know from meeting with you so many times over the years just how much your grief and sorrow at his loss was compounded by that sense of injustice at the multiple failings of the State that have been outlined comprehensively by the Minister. Before my colleagues speak further, I just want to say how welcome, and yet how overdue, this apology is for the State failings that you have endured. At last, the injustice you have endured has been recognised. You have worked so hard to achieve the giving of this State apology and it is an important day. For us, we welcome it. We await to hear your response to the words of the Minister, to the actions he outlined and to this important apology today, but we all think of you and you think of Shane today.

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