The Minister for Justice is to appoint a senior lawyer to examine the files in the case of Richie Barron, the Donegal man killed in controversial circumstances in 1996. A number of people, including a Garda, have been charged in connection with the case.
A Raphoe family, who claims Garda victimisation in the aftermath of Mr Barron's death, has launched civil proceedings.
Mr Barron's body was exhumed earlier this year. John O'Donoghue told the Dáil that the State Pathologist formed the view that his injuries were consistent with having been struck by a car, although he acknowledged that another pathologist could form a different opinion.
The Minister acknowledged that there was public concern over the case and its implications. Mr O'Donoghue said he was appointing an eminent legal person to review the files with a view to bringing the matter to finality. He said that this action was without precedent.
He also disclosed that a request in 1997 for the exhumation of the body of Mr Barron had been put on hold at the time, on the request of the Garda involved.
