-Minister should adopt the terms of reference as drafted by Judge Haughton-

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Brendan Smith, says the Minister for Justice should adopt the terms of reference, as drafted by Judge Haughton, to ensure an adequate investigation and proper inquiry is carried out into the death of Shane O’Farrell.

Deputy Smith made his comments as a Fianna Fáil Private Members Motion brought this matter to the Dáil chamber.

He commented, “My sincere sympathy as always goes to the O’Farrell family on the tragic loss of Shane, their son and brother.  Shane’s passing is an immeasurable loss to his beloved family.  As well as being a much loved son and brother, Shane was a highly respected member of his local community. 

 “It is so important that there is an adequate investigation and proper inquiry into the death of Shane O’Farrell. The O’Farrell family has been failed by this State and that failure continues today.

“Every right-thinking person wants justice to be done.  The terms of reference are essential to get to the truth.  It is truly shocking that it has taken so long to get to the truth in regard to the death of a 23 year old cyclist in a hit-and-run accident quite close to his own home.

“The terms of reference as drafted by Judge Haughton should be adopted.  The terms of reference as they currently stand do not reflect the spirit of the earlier Dáil vote.  Those terms of reference would not enable this State to get the full facts in regard to the dysfunctionality of some elements of our criminal justice system.

“Curtailing the terms of reference is not acceptable.  The scoping exercise process should not be undermined, which is what our party motion seeks to prevent.

“As we know, the driver who caused Shane’s death would not have been at liberty if the criminal justice system had been functioning properly.  That is the sad summation of the entire tragedy surrounding Shane’s loss of life,” concluded Deputy Smith.