Cabinet to consider study on familicide

Plans to support the loved ones of domestic murder victims are expected to be brought before Cabinet by Minister for Justice and Equality Charlie Flanagan later today.

It follows meetings held earlier this year with the mother and sister of Clodagh Hawe and her three young boys, who were murdered by dad Alan at their Ballyjamesduff home in 2016.

The proposals are understood to centre on an independent research study that will be carried out into what supports are necessary for people whose relatives have been killed by another family member.

State agencies, family members of victims and non-governmental organisations will be consulted, and laws around establishing reviews of domestic homicides will also be examined.

Currently the coroner's role in reviewing deaths in such cases is limited, and some legislative changes may be required following the review's conclusion.

It is expected to take 12 months to complete.

Minister Flanagan met Mary Coll and Jacqueline Connolly — the mother and sister, respectively, of Clodagh Hawe — in late February.