Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No 8 of 20 June 2012, the current status of the Garda review of the murder of Fr. Niall Molloy in Clara, County Offaly in July 1985; if he will accede to the request by the family for an independent inquiry into the priest's violent death; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39114/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The examination referred to by the Deputy is ongoing. Since the response to the Deputy of 20 June, the Minister was informed that further potential lines of enquiry have been identified on foot of information brought to the attention of the Garda authorities and that these are now being progressed to a conclusion. As the Minister has indicated previously, upon receipt of a final report from the Commissioner he will review the situation.

The Minister understands that the officers carrying out the examination have met with the family members of the deceased on a number of occasions, including very recently, and that the family was updated on the examination of the issues being undertaken. The Minister fully appreciates the family's continuing concerns regarding these issues, but hopes that the Deputy will agree that, in the first instance, we need to allow the present Garda examination proceed to a conclusion.