Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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1031. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will meet with the family of a person (details supplied) to discuss how best to assist them in their search for truth and justice. [29956/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy refers to the brutal murder of Mr Denis Donaldson in April 2006 in Glenties, County Donegal. It is regrettable that to date it has not been possible to bring those responsible to court to answer for their actions and my sympathies are with his family.

A number of inquiries related to the death of Mr. Donaldson have been undertaken both in this jurisdiction and in Northern Ireland.

Garda authorities are conducting an ongoing investigation into the killing of Mr. Donaldson and extensive enquiries have been carried out in this regard. I am informed by An Garda Síochána that the investigation remains open and active and that a Family Liaison Officer is assigned.

I am further informed that the inquest into the death currently stands adjourned to a date later this year in light of the ongoing criminal investigation. I can understand fully that the adjournments of the Coroners’ Inquest are a cause of concern for the family and that is to be regretted. However, these adjournments are in circumstances where the criminal investigation into the death is ongoing in order to ensure that the criminal proceedings are not compromised by the conduct of an inquest.

There have also been developments in Northern Ireland with the publication in 2022 of the Report of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland into certain matters relating to the handling of the case by the Police Service of Northern Ireland. This was the second investigation into the killing by the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman and I would hope that this report served to provide further information to the family.

As Minister for Justice I will, of course, ensure that I am kept appraised of developments with regard to the Garda investigation and the inquest.

In the circumstances, and particularly in the light of an active ongoing criminal investigation by An Garda Síochána in this jurisdiction, I must be mindful of not doing anything that might be seen to interfere with that investigation.

The Deputy has asked whether I will meet with the family of Mr Donaldson. I have, in recent days, received a request from their representatives for such a meeting, and I will be responding in due course to that request.