Jim O’Callaghan rejects Creeslough public inquiry until 'criminal process is over'

The Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, told Dáil Éireann that he was not going to establish a public inquiry into the Creeslough tragedy “until such time that the criminal process is over.”

Responding to questioning from Sinn Féin leader, Mary Lou McDonald, the Fianna Fáil minister insisted he was “being straight” with families affected by the Creeslough tragedy.

The tragedy occurred on October 7, 2022, when an explosion at the local service station claimed the lives of five-year-old Shauna Flanagan-Garwe and her father, Robert Garwe (50), Catherine O’Donnell (39) and her 13-year-old son, James Monaghan.

Leona Harper, aged 14, and Jessica Gallagher (24) were killed along with shop assistant Martina Martin (49), James O’Flaherty (48), Martin McGill (49) and Hugh Kelly (59).

Deputy McDonald said: “Last week, I, along with my colleagues Deputies Pearse Doherty and Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, met the families of those who lost their lives or were injured in the Creeslough tragedy. 

“They have two requests of the Government. First, that it establish a public inquiry into this tragedy and, second, that the Minister for justice meet with them. They have questions that are not related to the criminal investigation and that they want to put to him directly. This meeting and, indeed, a public inquiry can take place without compromising the investigation, as confirmed by the former Garda Commissioner. 

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“The Minister's predecessor, the Minister, Deputy (Helen) McEntee, met with the families, but that was a year and a half ago. It is only right that the Minister should meet with them now and listen to what they have to say. 

“This awful event happened nearly four years ago. The families continue to fight for truth and justice. They should not have to fight to secure a meeting with the Minister. Will he commit today to meeting with the families without further delay?”

In response, Minister O’Callaghan replied: “It was a horrific incident that happened to the families. I had the pleasure of meeting the Deputy and Deputy Doherty to discuss it last year. 

“I also met with the parents of Leona Harper in December. I want to be straight with the families, because they have suffered a lot. I will not establish a public inquiry until such time as the criminal investigation and the inquest are concluded. 

“The reason I am being blunt about that is because I want the families in Creeslough to get justice. The only way they will get justice is through the criminal process. A file has gone to the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP. There may be another file going. I have been kept updated on this issue by An Garda Síochána and others. 

“The only way they will get justice is through the courts. If at the end of that process there are questions remaining, I will very much consider whether a public inquiry is required.”

Following vocal protestations from Deputy McDonald and Donegal Deputy, Pearse Doherty, questioning Minister O’Callaghan when he would meet with families, Minister O’Callaghan responded: “I want to deal with the question from Deputy McDonald that I did not answer. I will keep an open mind in respect of the matter. 

“I will just say, however, that my predecessor, the Minister, Deputy Helen McEntee, met them. They want a public inquiry. I am being straight with them. I am not going to establish a public inquiry until such time that the criminal process is over.”

Ceann Comhairle, Verona Murphy, informed Minister O’Callaghan that his time for speaking on the topic was up, as he had stated that he did not want to “fool people by bringing them to Dublin and having them come in here…”

Deputy McDonald stated: “Show them some respect by meeting them.”