Harney and Ahern receive report into family's deaths

A long-delayed inquiry into the tragic deaths of a family of four in their Co Wexford home was today received by two Government ministers.

Adrian Dunne, his wife Ciara and their two daughters were found dead in Monageer in April 2007 three days after visiting a local undertaker to arrange their funeral details.

Health and Children Minister Mary Harney and Justice Minister Dermot Ahern today received copies of the inquiry’s report.

The Attorney General is also studying the legal implications of the document, which will be published when it is approved by the Cabinet.

The report has been delayed three times since it was first due last April.

Adrian and Ciara Dunne arose suspicions after they gave specific instructions to an undertaker on how their daughters, aged three and five, were to be buried in the event of their deaths.

It later emerged that authorities had been warned in advance of a possible risk to the safety of the children.

The inquiry was chaired by barrister Kate Brosnan and members included retired Assistant Garda Commissioner Jim McHugh and Citizens Information Board chief Leonie Lunny.

The inquiry is tasked with making recommendations to the Minister for Health and Children and the Minister for Justice as to how such an event may be avoided in future through better co-operation between state agencies.