Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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88. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied) will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3737/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I believe it was appropriate and correct that last week I, along with the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste, apologised on behalf of the State to Ms. Hayes, who was subjected to a prolonged ordeal that was simply wrong on every level.

The Deputy will appreciate that the decision to conduct a review of the investigation into the death of ‘Baby John’ is solely a matter for the Garda Commissioner. I welcome the announcement by An Garda Síochána that a new investigation, involving the Serious Crime Review Team (SCRT) and local Gardaí. I also welcome the apology made personally to Ms. Hayes by the Garda Commissioner on behalf of An Garda Síochána.  I have requested that anyone with information about the death of ‘Baby John’ should come forward with it. Any information, no matter how small, could play a vital role in helping An Garda Síochána bring this case to a successful conclusion.

Since the announcement of the review by the SCRT, a number of complex legal issues have emerged which require careful consideration.  I will be consulting with the Office of the Attorney General on these issues and will keep the Cabinet apprised of all significant developments in the coming weeks.

I can inform the Deputy that I have been in contact with persons representing Joanne Hayes, who reiterated Ms. Hayes’s request that her privacy be respected. I fully intend to respect those wishes and therefore I do not intend to make any further comment on these issues at the moment.