Minister O'Callaghan to refer O'Farrell inquiry decision

The Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan, stated he cannot overlook the scoping inquiry's decision against a public inquiry into the death of Shane O'Farrell. This was expressed during a debate in the Dáil. Shane O'Farrell, aged 23, was killed in a hit-and-run incident while cycling near his home in Co Monaghan in 2011. The driver, Zigimantas Gridziuska, had a history of criminal convictions. He fled the scene but later surrendered to the police. At the time of the incident, he was out on bail despite a court ruling that he should be in jail. O'Callaghan acknowledged concerns from O'Farrell's family, who have been seeking a public inquiry for over ten years. However, he emphasized the importance of the scoping inquiry, which comprised 400 pages and ruled out a public inquiry. The minister plans to recommend that the Oireachtas Justice Committee, once established, further examine the conclusions of the scoping inquiry. In reply, Sinn Féin's Matt Carthy urged him to act honorably and establish a public inquiry without further delay.