Sinn Féin Louth TD Gerry Adams has welcomed the decision by the Dáil to support a motion calling on the Minister for Justice to accept the recommended Terms of Reference by Mr. Justice Haughton.

The Louth TD also took the opportunity in his contribution in the Dáil during the debate to raise the Crevan Mackin case and the murder of Seamus Ludlow.

Deputy Adams challenged the Minister for Justice on the failure of the government to respond to serious concerns about the role of the DPP and about decisions it has taken in refusing to honour commitments to other bereaved families.

Teachta Adams said:

“In November 2016 the then Taoiseach Enda Kenny met the O’Farrell family and told them he would ask 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.’

“The O’Farrell case raises serious concerns about the decisions of the DPP. It is not the only example giving cause for concern. Crevan Mackin shot and killed Garda Tony Golden and grievously wounded his partner Siobhán Philips before killing himself. The DPP had decided not to charge Mackin with offences that he had admitted, including possession of weapons and explosives.

“I have written again to the Minister for Justice and the Taoiseach on this issue asking them what recommendations have been agreed to ensure that the DPP is more accountable and transparent.

“Other families have also been impacted by the government’s failure to honour past commitments arising from Dáil reports. Among them is the family of Seamus Ludlow who was murdered as a result of collusion between unionist death squads and British state forces.

“13 years ago the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence & Women’s Rights recommended that two Commissions of Investigation be established into the murder of Seamus Ludlow.

“The government has not only refused to establish these Commissions, but it has forced the Ludlow family to go to the courts where government lawyers are arguing against the family’s right to truth.

“It is time that the government stopped blocking families getting truth and supported them in their efforts.”