The Justice Minister claims she has no powers to initiate an independent body outside of An Garda Síochána to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a Sixmilebridge man in 1984.
Helen McEntee’s Department has ruled out the move in a letter to the family of Patrick Nugent, who have called for a ‘cold case’ investigation to be tasked to a body outside of An Garda Síochána.
The 23-year-old was working as a banqueting manager at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park when he passed away in the early hours of February 12th, 1984.
His dying words were ‘he clocked me’, with the jury at his inquest later ruling d he’d been accidentally hit by a car after he had been struck by person or persons unknown.
However, no one’s ever been convicted in relation to his death.
Retired Judge Patrick Clyne was tasked with compiling a report into the original Garda investigation into Mr Nugent’s passing, which the Government received last November.
It’s understood the document contains a number of criticisms into that investigation, with Judge Clyne indicating further scrutiny may be required.
This prompted Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to instigate a ‘cold case’ investigation, though the Nugent family has indicated its desire for this be undertaken by a separate body to the Gardai.
In a letter from Department officials to Mr Nugent’s family, seen by Clare FM, it’s noted no other entity would ‘have the criminal investigatory powers of An Garda Siochana’.
The Department says it’s not within Minister Helen McEntee’s powers to initiate such an investigation.
The Nugent family has told Clare FM they are ‘very disappointed and upset’ at the development and regards the response as ‘simply not good enough’
It’s understood they are now seeking legal advice on the matter.
