Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The report of Judge Gerard Haughton arising from the scoping exercise into the circumstances surrounding the tragic and untimely death of Shane O’Farrell, aged 23 in August 2011 was published on 3^rdJuly 2023.

Judge Haughton was appointed by Minister Flanagan in 2019 to carry out a scoping exercise in light of the public controversy surrounding the circumstances of Shane's tragic death. Specifically, the purpose of the exercise was to advise the Minister as to whether any further investigation or inquiry beyond those already carried out was necessary and, if so, to advise on the form of such investigation or inquiry and its terms of reference.

Judge Haughton's diligent work has resulted in a thorough and comprehensive 416 page report.

In his report, Judge Haughton has concluded that there are no circumstances surrounding the death of Mr O’Farrell which warrant further investigation or inquiry beyond those already carried out; and further that no inquiry is necessary into the systems and procedures for the sharing of information between An Garda Síochána, the Courts Service and other relevant State bodies operating at the time of Shane O'Farrell's death.

Judge Haughton makes a number of important recommendations on suspended sentences legislation; certain aspects in relation to dangerous driving (1961 Road Traffic Act); specific aspects of the law relating to inquests and the role of the Gardaí; and an audit of relevant Courts Service accounts by the Courts Service Audit and Risk Committee (in relation to the Court Service misplacing of Appeal papers).

All of the recommendations made by the Judge have been carefully considered by the relevant state bodies and agencies and implementation of those recommendations has commenced where appropriate.