Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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626. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he has plans to hold an inquest into the murder of a person (details supplied) as planned; the position regarding whether the holding of such an inquest will of itself be sufficient to discharge the State's obligations under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights; if he has sought and obtained the co-operation of the UK and Northern Ireland authorities in relation to a Garda investigation and the inquest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32392/25]

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.

The Deputy references Article 2 of the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR). Article 2 concerns the right to life and has both a substantive and a procedural component, which includes an obligation to carry out an effective investigation.

A number of inquiries and investigations 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.

There is a long established relationship between An Garda Síochána and their counterparts in Northern Ireland. It has always been the case that, where relevant, An Garda Síochána work closely with the PSNI to advance investigations and from the outset liaison with the PSNI was established. Cooperation via mutual assistance, extradition or other means is an operational Garda matter and, as the Deputy will appreciate, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on live investigations.

The Deputy has asked about plans to hold an inquest into the killing. I am 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.

The Deputy has asked about cooperation sought for the purposes of the Inquest; this would be a matter for the presiding Coroner, who is independent in the operation of their function.

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