\n<\/p>\n
In 2007 the Garda Commissioner directed a review of the case by the Garda Serious Crime Review Team. Over 200 recommendations were made relating to the cases.<\/p>\n
This review led to “serious failings” being found as well as “the shortcomings in the management” of the earlier Garda investigation.<\/p>\n
These failures, listed by Martin in the D\u00e1il, are: failure to keep a map made of the crime scene, a failure to keep a motorbike helmet found near the crime scene and linked to the crime, a failure to keep custody of material exhibits, including various fingerprints, samples and debris gathered during the investigation.<\/p>\n
The taoiseach also said there was a failure to document some potentially important aspects of the original investigation, including whether Brian’s colleagues at Portlaoise Prison were interviewed and whether prisoners at the prison were interviewed.<\/p>\n
There was also a failure to interview the Stack family and to interview Brian’s wider group of friends.<\/p>\n
“It is plainly and utterly unacceptable that material that was potentially of evidential value to the investigation can no longer be located by An Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na.<\/p>\n
“It is admitted by An Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na that these are serious matters that had an impact on the investigation,” Martin said.<\/p>\n
He formally apologised to the Stack family for these failings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n