Chief Constable Committed To Addressing Issues In Sean Browne Investigation

The PSNI Chief Constable has said that he is committed to working with the family of Sean Browne and others impacted by the disclosure limitations of the coronial process.

Chief Constable, Jon Boutcher, made the commitment as he acknowledged the comments of the Coroner on the murder of GAA Official, Sean Browne, in 1997.

The inquest into Mr Browne's murder is unable to continue due to material being held on the grounds of national security.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: "The Police Service of Northern Ireland acknowledges the comments of the Coroner today. "It is important to say that, first and foremost, I recognise the continuing distress being felt by the family of Sean Brown and want to acknowledge the pain and suffering that they continue to feel. Today will have been another upsetting and difficult day for them and, understandably, they continue to seek answers.

"I am determined to work with those families impacted by the disclosure limitations of the coronial process. The Brown family, and indeed others, have been let down by the lack of a suitable mechanism to address sensitive information at inquests. As we know, inquests can work perfectly well for some families, but for those cases where large swathes of information attract Public Interest Immunity, those families also have a right to answers. I am looking to address those issues and the Police Service of Northern Ireland will cooperate with any Public Inquiry."