Written answers

Thursday, 25 November 2021

Department of Justice and Equality

State Pardons

Photo of Brendan GriffinBrendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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182. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the latest up-to-date position in relation to efforts to pardon a person (details supplied) who was wrongly hanged in 1895; if she will prioritise the continuation of the process already under way in order that they will be pardoned and closure can be given to their relatives; if she will provide an updated timeline regarding the future process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58001/21]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, a local group 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, in early 2020, the then Minister for Justice and Equality engaged an expert on nineteenth century trial law in Ireland for their expert opinion on the safety, or otherwise, of the conviction. The report includes a detailed consideration of the murder and trial and its aftermath. It also considers the prevailing standards and procedures in nineteenth century Irish trials.

I can inform the Deputy that it is my intention to bring a memorandum to the Government on this matter before the end of the year and I will update the Deputy directly thereafter.

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