merrion street

Together with the Tánaiste, I met today with the O’Farrell family about the loss of their son and brother, Shane. We received a powerful presentation from the family detailing the work done by the family themselves. It points out a series of issues that would warrant further consideration. I am not ruling out a public inquiry, but I would first like to receive the report of the GSOC investigation into aspects of this case, which I understand it to be at an advanced stage under the chairmanship of Justice Ring.

I informed the O’Farrell family today that I am asking the Attorney General to request the Law Reform Commission President Mr Justice John Quirke to examine how we can reform the law to provide enhanced public understanding for significant decisions made whilst fully preserving the independence of the Director of Public Prosecutions. This has been done in other countries.