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Dáil Suspended as Mick Barry Attempts to Raise George Nkencho Case During Leaders’ Questions

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George Nkencho
The Dáil was briefly suspended on Thursday as Cork TD Mick Barry sought to address the case of George Nkencho during Leaders’ Questions.

This came after it was announced on Wednesday that the gardaí involved in the fatal shooting of Mr Nkencho outside his Dublin home would not face prosecution.

Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl reminded the assembly that matters before the courts and decisions by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) cannot be discussed in the Dáil due to the separation of powers. However, Mr Barry refused to comply, leading to a 10-minute session suspension.

George Nkencho, a 27-year-old man of colour, was fatally shot by the Garda Armed Support Unit outside his family’s home in Dublin on December 30, 2020.

The shooting occurred following an alleged assault by Nkencho at a nearby shop, during which he appeared to lunge at gardaí with a knife.

Despite the use of tasers and pepper spray before the shooting, Nkencho was shot multiple times, leading to an investigation by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (Gsoc). The DPP ultimately decided not to prosecute the officers involved.

In response to the decision, a statement issued by the Nkencho family solicitor expressed disappointment and announced their intention to appeal.

Mr. Barry lamented the lack of accountability, drawing comparisons to recent state apologies, such as the one extended to the survivors and families of the Stardust fire victims.

Ceann Comhairle Ó Fearghaíl reiterated the long-standing principle of separation of powers, prohibiting commentary on DPP decisions within the Dáil.

However, Mr Barry argued that the case was a matter of public importance and pressed for publishing the Gsoc report to provide answers to Nkencho’s family.

Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue extended his sympathies to the Nkencho family and acknowledged the trauma experienced by the community. He emphasized the rarity of fatal shootings by gardaí in Ireland and the independent nature of Gsoc investigations.

Mr. Barry reiterated his call for transparency and accountability, urging the publication of the Gsoc report to shed light on the events surrounding Nkencho’s death and the handling of mental health crises by law enforcement.

The Dáil session resumed following the suspension, with Mr Barry reframing his question to focus on releasing the Gsoc report to Mr Nkencho’s family and the public. Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue reiterated his condolences to the Nkencho family and acknowledged the community’s distress.

While Mr McConalogue expressed his inability to speak on behalf of the DPP, he emphasized that the family had been informed of their rights to challenge the decision. He underscored the rarity of fatal shootings by gardaí in Ireland and the rigorous independent investigations conducted by GSOC in such cases.

Mr. Barry emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing the concerns raised by Mr. Nkencho’s death.

He reiterated his call for the publication of the Gsoc report to provide clarity on the events leading up to the fatal shooting and to address any issues related to law enforcement’s response to mental health crises.

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