Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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249. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when she plans to meet with the families of victims of the Creeslough disaster, as she has publicly committed to doing; whether she has been in contact with them; if she has any further views on their request for a public inquiry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42635/24]

Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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272. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when she plans to meet with the families of the Creeslough disaster; if contact was made to arrange such a meeting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42283/24]

Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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273. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she has any further views in relation to a public inquiry the families of the Creeslough disaster have requested; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42284/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 249, 272 and 273 together.

My thoughts are with the victims, their families and loved ones, and the wider community of Creeslough that were affected by the terrible tragedy that happened two years ago. I commend the families for speaking so movingly and powerfully about their loss. 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 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.

I have received letters from two legal representatives, both representing the families, outlining some of the concerns of the families, and requests for an independent investigation in the form of a public inquiry or a commission of investigation. The Government will consider these requests having regard to the on-going investigations.

I have agreed to meet with the families of the victims of this terrible tragedy and we are engaging with their representatives to arrange a date.