Irish State Apologizes for Failures in Investigation of Prison Officer's IRA-Motivated Killing

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin has formally apologized on behalf of the state for the failures in investigations into the killing of a senior prison officer. Brian Stack, who was murdered by the IRA in 1983. Stack, a father of three, was shot in the back of the neck while crossing a street in Dublin after leaving a boxing match.

His family has long campaigned for answers, and the apology comes after a review by the Garda Serious Crime Review Team found "serious failings" in the initial investigation.

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Austin Stack, Brian's son, said the apology "means an awful lot to us" and that it brings "a great sense of comfort" to his family. The review team found 194 errors and omissions in the first investigation, and the Garda Commissioner directed a new review in 2007.

The family has met with several ministers for justice and has requested sight of the report. However, was told it was an internally valid document and could not be seen.

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The taoiseach said the failures included a failure to keep a map of the crime scene. A failure to keep custody of material exhibits, and a failure to document some potentially important aspects of the original investigation. The Garda Commissioner also found "shortcomings in the management" of the earlier investigation.

Irish Prime Minister Micheál, Martin said. the apology was "entirely right and proper" and went to the heart of discussions MPs had been having this week as they debated the government's Troubles legacy bill. The family has long campaigned for answers, and the apology brings some measure of peace and comfort.