Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 183: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the revelations contained in the Morris tribunal, he will reopen the investigation into the death of a political activist, details supplied, in Donegal in 2003. [21778/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that following a post mortem the cause of death of the person referred to in the Deputy's question was found to be drowning. The death was fully investigated by the Garda Síochána. This included a visit to the scene by a scene of crime examiner before the body of the deceased was removed and an examination of the deceased's car. All known witnesses were interviewed also. The evidence from the investigation would suggest that the death was as a result of an accident.

I am further informed that as a result of representations made by members of the deceased's family, a review of the initial investigation was carried out by a detective superintendent. This review did not reveal anything to suggest that the death had not been accidental. In addition, the State pathologist was consulted and agreed with the findings of the pathologist who carried out the post mortem examination on the deceased's body at Letterkenny General Hospital.

A coroner's inquest was held on 5 September 2003 and the jury returned a verdict that death was in accordance with medical evidence and that the deceased had died from drowning. I have no reason to believe that this incident was not fully and comprehensively investigated and I am therefore of the view on the current facts that there would be no benefit to be gained by reopening the investigation at this time.