Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Senator Hackett and wish her well. I also welcome her husband, daughter and son. This is a demanding role. It is great to have a Green Member back in Seanad Éireann.

The Leader will be aware that the family of the late Shane O'Farrell brought their campaign to the gates of Leinster House today. I do not know how many Senators took the time, or got time, to meet the family, but I did. We all know of Shane O'Farrell's story and the family's campaign for justice for him. The matter was brought to the Oireachtas. There was a demonstration today at which the family issued a press release and met the media. This is a difficult story. The family is calling for the Minister for Justice and Equality to establish a public inquiry into the circumstances leading to the 23 year old's death in 2011. Senators are aware of the case's background. The family wants to know what actions State agencies took prior and subsequent to Shane's death. In 2018 and 2019, the Houses passed motions to establish a public inquiry into these events. The Department of Justice and Equality has instead opted for a scoping exercise. The Minister elaborated on that in the Seanad some time back. The exercise was to seek the family's views, but family members have said that it was an inadequate vehicle to achieve justice for their son, their loved one and their brother. All of us can understand and empathise with those concerns.

Will the Leader and every Senator use their connections and good offices to call on the Minister to progress the matter of a public inquiry in line with the family's wishes for truth and transparency surrounding the tragic circumstances leading to Shane's loss? It was a tragedy, and there are people who know the facts of the real story. The family members are entitled to a full examination of all the facts concerning the death of their dear son and loved one. I appeal to the Leader to use his good office to see how to progress the matter. All Senators should seek to support the family. The House debated the issue, took a decision and demonstrated to the family our support, but words are meaningless if they cannot be pushed into action. I am making this call on behalf of the family, who cannot be here. The O'Farrells need help and wish to have our support. I hope we will give it to them.