Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 139: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will meet the sister of one of the victims of the Grangegorman murders; and the process by which a decision will be made on the request for an inquiry into the Garda handling of the Grangegorman murders. [8399/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have received representations from solicitors representing the sister of one of the victims of the Grangegorman murders of 6 and 7 March 1997 requesting that there be an independent public inquiry into the Garda investigation of the murder. As I have indicated to the House previously, I am not at present satisfied that the investigation which has been performed has fallen short of the standard required by the European Convention on Human Rights or of the potential effectiveness of a full public tribunal of inquiry.

However, in view of matters which have been raised, and in order to assist me in my consideration of the request, I asked the solicitor involved to outline in further detail the reasons he considers a public inquiry to be necessary. I have received a response and, while it does not put forward further details, I have referred the correspondence to the Attorney General. In addition, I expect to receive a detailed report, which I have requested from the Garda authorities on matters arising in this case.

I will consider the matter further taking into account any further submissions made to me, advice from the Attorney General and a report from the Garda authorities. As I have also previously indicated to the House, the criminal investigation into these two murders is not closed and that this would have clear implications for what further action, if any, I may consider.