Statement by Seán Philips on behalf of the Philips family in relation to the Review Report by An Garda Síochána into events in Omeath in October 2015

“After reading the Review Report I am extremely disappointed but not surprised at its content.

“Not one of the issues that we have consistently raised has been adequately addressed in this report. In fact this report only serves to cause further distress and trauma for our family.

“We are especially shocked by the fact that the report confirms that the investigation by the Gardaí into the shootings concluded as far back as May 2017. Despite relentlessly seeking updates we were never told at any time that the investigation had concluded.

“We have also been in regular contact with GSOC and we know that they have been struggling to get documentation from the Gardaí and the Special Criminal Court.

“In a letter to us received this week GSOC apologised for not having made better progress and reiterated to us that the ‘resourcing of the investigation and our office in general is causing great difficulties and hampering the progress of the investigation.’

“This is simply not good enough. The Government has a responsibility to ensure that GSOC is properly resourced.”

Peter Madden, the family solicitor, in response to the Review Report stated:

“Today’s report confirms both our long held view, and that of the family, that only a public inquiry can get to the truth of the tragic avoidable events in Omeath in October 2015.”