The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality and Women's rights has concluded that, under existing legislation, it cannot take its inquiries into the Sheedy affair any further. The Committee has published its report on its investigation of the circumstances surrounding Philip Sheedy's early release from prison.
Although it makes no recommendations, the report suggests that existing legislation could be amended so that judges could be compelled to give evidence before Oireachtas committees. It also outlines the option of a judicial inquiry, chaired by a former judge from another jurisdiction. But the Committee admits that both options are fraught with legal and constitutional difficulty and would be almost certain to face legal challenge.
The Committee also expressed its regret that the Chief Justice was unable to assist its work by agreeing to make further inquiries into the affair.
