Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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131. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the most up-to-date position in relation to efforts to pardon a person (details supplied) who was wrongly hanged in 1895; if the continuation of the process initiated by the former Minister for Justice in order that they will be pardoned and closure can be given to their relatives will proceed; the timeline regarding the future process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36382/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, representatives of the Michael O’Donohoe Memorial Project have gathered a considerable amount of material relating to this case, and I know the Deputy has taken a very close interest in this application.

As the Deputy will also be aware, my Department engaged an expert on nineteenth century trial law in Ireland for their expert opinion on the safety, or otherwise, of the conviction of Mr John Twiss. The report of the expert has now been received by my Department, and includes a detailed consideration of the murder of John Donovan, the trial of John Twiss and its aftermath. It also considers the prevailing standards and procedures in nineteenth century Irish trials.

The report has received detailed consideration by officials and I understand that a submission is being finalised for my consideration. I will endeavour to update the Deputy directly once I have considered the expert report.