Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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336. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she has received correspondence of behalf of the families of those killed in an explosion in Creeslough, County Donegal on 7 October 2022 requesting the establishment of a public inquiry or commission of inquiry; if she intends to establish such an inquiry; if she will meet with the families and their representatives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38798/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the second anniversary of this tragedy approaches, my thoughts are with the victims, their families and loved ones, and the wider community of Creeslough and I hope to meet the families in the near future. The community of Creeslough and the people of Donegal pulled together and supported each other in the toughest circumstances.

I am also conscious of the work in very traumatic circumstances by the emergency services and first responders who attended the scene in October 2022, and by the Gardaí for their work in investigating all of the circumstances of this tragedy.

Naturally, the families want answers and information about what caused the deaths of their loved ones. The public also want to know how something like this could have happened and along with the families they want reassurance that something like this will not be allowed to happen again.

As there is an ongoing criminal investigation, I cannot comment on any specifics. I am however aware that there is multi-agency engagement and that the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities and the Health and Safety Authority are supporting An Garda Síochána in their criminal investigation. These bodies are responsible for investigating the understandable concerns of the families and the public; be it public safety, regulatory compliance, or any potential criminal responsibility.

As the Deputy will be aware, following a criminal investigation a file would be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions for a decision on whether any charges should be preferred. To protect the integrity and independence of that process, it is appropriate to wait the outcome of these investigations before considering whether further action is required.