Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance)
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77. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will meet the family of a person (details supplied) regarding an inquiry into their death and the subsequent events around the Garda investigation and court proceedings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32972/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware this tragic case was considered under the Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) and the recommendation was that no further action should be taken. Counsel for the IRM pointed out that the appropriate forum for raising matters related to alleged Garda failings was the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) who were already investigating certain matters arising from the tragic death in this case, in part referred by a previous Minister for Justice and Equality.

GSOC is an independent statutory body and the manner in which they conduct their investigation is a matter for them. I am advised, however, that GSOC's report is at final draft stage and currently under review by the GSOC Commission. However, I can inform the Deputy that I am advised that GSOC's investigation is nearing completion and that GSOC have been in contact with the family about the final report of that investigation. We must now await their final determination. It must also be noted that a civil action has been initiated against the State in respect of issues raised in the complaint.

When the then Taoiseach and my predecessor met with the family last November, a commitment was given that when the GSOC investigation is completed and the final report is to hand the question of whether, and if so, what further action can be taken, will be considered. That remains the position.

The Deputy will appreciate that in the circumstances a meeting with myself at this stage would not serve any useful purpose and that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.