Equality Issues
Dail Éireann — 2023-06-20
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Paul Murphy (PBP), Dublin South-West

I welcome the fact the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, GSOC, has sent a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, on the killing of George Nkencho. I understand the Taoiseach will not be able to comment on the particular case. However, broader issues are raised by George’s killing. A statement was issued by his sister, Gloria Nkencho, yesterday, which raises some of those issues. She said:
As we reflect upon the conclusion of the investigation into George's tragic death, it is imperative to acknowledge the insidious influence of racial bias that tainted the initial media coverage of George’s case. We cannot ignore the manner in which journalists, including those from the national broadcaster, RTE, portrayed our family’s arduous struggle for justice. The impact of inaccurate reporting, fuelled by leaks from An Garda Síochána, continues to shape the prevailing narrative. However, today's announcement fills us with hope that this long-standing injustice will be rectified, finally dispelling the inaccuracies that have plagued the understanding of the facts surrounding George's untimely death.
We are also compelled to express our profound disappointment in the political response, or rather the lack thereof. It is disheartening to witness the major political parties in the state, who should have been beacons of support and solidarity, fail to stand beside our family in our relentless quest for justice. This glaring absence underscores the impression within marginalized communities that members of An Garda Síochána can operate with impunity even in the aftermath of such a heart-wrenching tragedy. We also raise valid concerns about the potential role of racial bias in shaping the decision of politicians to withhold public support. It is impossible to overlook the question: Would the response have been different if the victim had been a white, middle-class young man from the leafy suburbs of South County Dublin?
I think Gloria is right and all those questions go to the heart of public sector duty for equality and the need for human rights assessment.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2023-06-20/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:52:02+00:00
Sitting date: 2023-06-20