Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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597. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will review correspondence (details supplied); the status of a public inquiry in relation to the case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8182/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I wish to assure the Deputy that I recognise the ongoing pain and anguish of the O'Farrell family on the tragic death of Shane and I sincerely sympathise with them on their loss.

As the Deputy will be aware, a highly respected retired Judge has been conducting a scoping exercise into the tragic circumstances surrounding Shane O'Farrell's death. The purpose of this exercise is to advise as to whether any further investigation or inquiry beyond those already carried out is necessary and, if so, to advise on the form of such investigation or inquiry and its terms of reference.

My Department maintains regular contact with the Judge and has assured him that any assistance he requires to complete his final report will be made available. I am informed that the judge had sought comments on various sections of his draft report from the parties named in it and has confirmed that he has received responses from most of the relevant principal parties. Once this process is concluded, I understand the judge should be in a position to finalise his report.

Once I have received the final report, the advice of the Attorney General will be sought on publication and any other issues arising.

I wish to conclude by re-stating in clear terms that the Government has never been opposed to the possibility of a further inquiry into this case if that is what is recommended. However, the Deputy will understand that I cannot pre-empt any view or advice that the Judge considers appropriate in his final report.