Family of IRA victim Brian Stack get State apology for flawed Garda inquiry but still seek ‘full truth’

Taoiseach Micheál Martin will address the Dáil on Wednesday to offer a formal state apology to the family of Brian Stack, a prison officer murdered by the Irish Republican Army more than four decades ago. The apology acknowledges specific failures within the garda investigations into the killing. Stack, who served as Chief Prison Officer at Portlaoise, was shot in the neck in March 1983 after leaving a boxing match. He remained paralyzed until his death in September 1984, at the age of 49. His murder stands as the only instance of a prison officer being killed in the state due to violence linked to the Troubles. Despite three separate police inquiries, no individual has ever faced justice for the homicide. In 2013, the Provisional IRA formally accepted responsibility for the attack. This admission followed a prolonged campaign by the Stack family, which included meetings with Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams and a former IRA commander. At that time, Adams expressed regret to the family. A Sinn Fein spokesperson recently reiterated that a 2013 statement acknowledged IRA volunteers were responsible, noting the shooting lacked authorization from IRA leadership and expressing sorrow for the family’s suffering. Austin Stack, the victim’s son, spoke to media outlets ahead of the parliamentary session. He stated that the official recognition of failings brings significant comfort to his mother and siblings. Stack emphasized the importance of the state stepping up to acknowledge the errors. He revealed that a serious crime review team identified 194 errors and omissions in the initial investigation. Although the family has repeatedly requested access to that report, officials have consistently declined, citing its status as an internally valid document. The family previously received an apology from then Garda Commissioner Drew Harris in 2019 regarding the investigative shortcomings. Harris described the murder as one of the most horrific atrocities of the era. Stack noted that in the 1980s, support systems for victims’ families were virtually nonexistent. He mentioned having suspicions about why the investigations stalled, suggesting potential involvement of garda intelligence units engaged in counter-terrorism operations and the use of informants, though he clarified these remain unproven suspicions. In 2023, police informed the family that the case file, held by the Director of Public Prosecutions, was returning to the police for further examination. Prior to the Dáil debate, the Stack family will hold a private meeting with Martin and Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan at Government Buildings. O’Callaghan is also scheduled to address the chamber. State apologies are infrequent political events. The most recent comparable occurrence took place in July of this year, when the Taoiseach apologized to survivors of convicted paedophile Bill Kenneally. Last year, O’Callaghan offered an apology to the family of Shane O’Farrell, a 23-year-old cyclist killed in a hit-and-run accident. The driver, Zigimantas Gridziuska, was a repeat offender who had been sentenced to prison a year prior but had not served the term, committing multiple offenses while on bail before striking O’Farrell. Austin Stack highlighted the difficulty his father faced while working during a volatile historical period. Stack noted that his father received the Irish Prison Service’s highest bravery award for his duties. The family views the upcoming apology as further vindication of his reputation. The proceedings mark a culmination of decades-long efforts by the Stack family to seek accountability and closure regarding the circumstances surrounding their father’s death and the subsequent legal processes.