Brian Stack: Household of jail officer killed by IRA receives state apology

In 2007 the Garda Commissioner directed a evaluation of the case by the Garda Serious Crime Review Team. Over 200 suggestions have been made referring to the circumstances.

This evaluation led to “severe failings” being discovered in addition to “the shortcomings within the administration” of the sooner Garda investigation.

These failures, listed by Martin within the Dáil, are: failure to maintain a map product of the crime scene, a failure to maintain a motorcycle helmet discovered close to the crime scene and linked to the crime, a failure to maintain custody of fabric displays, together with numerous fingerprints, samples and particles gathered through the investigation.

The taoiseach additionally stated there was a failure to doc some doubtlessly vital facets of the unique investigation, together with whether or not Brian’s colleagues at Portlaoise Prison have been interviewed and whether or not prisoners on the jail have been interviewed.

There was additionally a failure to interview the Stack household and to interview Brian’s wider group of mates.

“It is plainly and totally unacceptable that materials that was doubtlessly of evidential worth to the investigation can now not be positioned by An Garda Síochána.

“It is admitted by An Garda Síochána that these are severe issues that had an affect on the investigation,” Martin stated.

“As Taoiseach, and on behalf of the Government, I need to formally apologise to the Stack household for these failings.”