Public Inquiries
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 3
About
Provided by PA Duffy & Co
The PA Duffy Public Inquiries and Inquests team is one of the strongest in Northern Ireland. The team is regularly instructed in the most serious and high-profile inquiries and important inquests in Northern Ireland and beyond. Testament to our skill and reputation in this space is our appointment to one of the largest public inquires to take place in the UK to date: the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, as well as the subsequent Public Inquiry/Commission of Investigation into the State’s handling of Covid-19 in the Republic of Ireland.
Key aspects of our practice: Regular instruction in hugely important inquiries, including notably:
Challenges against State authorities in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in respect of failures to establish Public Inquiries to investigate the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic in each jurisdiction, including notably the NI Covid Bereaved Families for Justice in the UK Covid-19 Public Inquiry.
Hickson Commission Public Inquiry in Dublin. The Commission will inquire into the level of knowledge of a number of organisations including An Garda Siochana, the Waterford Diocese, the Southeastern Health Board, Basketball Ireland and high profile political figures of the offences committed by notorious paedophile Billy Kenneally.
Representation of one of the bereaved families in the Omagh Bombing Inquiry, due to commence in 2025.
Chambers Review
PA Duffy & Co is a distinguished team of public inquiry practitioners based in Northern Ireland with strength in highly sensitive public inquiries. The firm has recently acted on matters including the Omagh Bombing and Billy Kenneally Inquiries.
Work Highlights
- PA Duffy & Co represented Bereaved Families for Justice Group from Northern Ireland in the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The PA Duffy & Co team has a combination of knowing what the issues are and pragmatism."
"The lawyers are extremely well-organised."
"The PA Duffy & Co team has a combination of knowing what the issues are and pragmatism."
"The lawyers are extremely well-organised."
Notable Practitioners
Conal McGarrity is a widely experienced practitioner and noted for his representation of bereaved family members. He is adept at handling highly sensitive public inquiries both in the UK and specifically Northern Ireland.
"Conal's strength is in the strategic aspects."
"Conal is very calm and inspires confidence in clients by his ability to clearly explain concepts."