Paul Murphy
Question:323. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice whether he will agree to meet with the family of a person (details supplied) whose family are campaigning for an independent inquiry. [14713/25]
View answerThursday, 27 March 2025
Questions (323)
Written answers
I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the Wheelock family for their terrible loss, and the pain Terence's tragic death has caused to them.
My Department has previously written to the Wheelock family in response to a request which they have made for a public inquiry to be established to examine the circumstances surrounding Terence's death.
The circumstances surrounding Mr Terence Wheelock’s death were the subject of an inquiry by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) and the report of this inquiry was published by GSOC in March 2010. I understanding legal proceedings arising from these matters were settled in 2014.
Both GSOC and the Courts are fully independent in the exercise of their functions. It is not open to me to intervene in or comment on any inquiry that has been carried out by GSOC, or on the outcome of any Court proceedings.
As these matters have been fully considered by GSOC, and have also been the subject of legal proceedings, a further inquiry into Terence's tragic death is not being considered at this time.
As such, while I am truly sorry for the pain and anguish suffered by the Wheelock family, it would not be appropriate for me to discuss these matters with them.
Question No. 324 answered with Question No. 320.