Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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143. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the outcome of his recent meeting with a family (details supplied); if a public inquiry will be established, as mandated by the Dáil on two separate occasions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24760/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy for submitting this question. I met with the O’Farrell family on Friday 21st March last. At our meeting I listened carefully to what they had to say.

I know the pain the O’Farrell family have suffered and continue to experience since the tragic loss of their beloved son and brother Shane, in August 2011. I cannot ease their pain but I do want to ensure that answers are provided to the family in respect of the issues of concern from that terrible evening.

Primary responsibility for Shane’s death rests with Zigimantas Gridziuska, the man who drove the car that struck Shane from behind, who failed to stop and remain at the scene and who subsequently that evening hid his car away from his home. He was prosecuted in February 2013 for dangerous driving causing death. He was acquitted. I know that is not the justice outcome that the O'Farrell family wanted but it is the consequence that we have to deal with and respond to.

There were many issues of concern that arose in respect of this case

• the driver was on bail on charges of theft and possession of stolen property at the time of the collision;
• the Garda stopped his car one hour before the collision;
• his convictions for five theft offences in May 2011 should have triggered the re-entry of his appearance before the Circuit Court from 11 January 2011.