In 2007 the Garda Commissioner directed a evaluation of the case by the Garda Serious Crime Review Team. Over 200 suggestions were made relating to the circumstances.

This evaluation led to “serious failings” being discovered as effectively as “the shortcomings in the management” of the earlier Garda investigation.

These failures, listed by Martin in the Dáil, are: failure to maintain a map made of the crime scene, a failure to maintain a bike helmet discovered close to the crime scene and linked to the crime, a failure to maintain custody of materials displays, including numerous fingerprints, samples and particles gathered during the investigation.

The taoiseach also said there was a failure to doc some doubtlessly essential elements of the unique investigation, including whether Brian’s colleagues at Portlaoise Prison were interviewed and whether prisoners at the jail were interviewed.

There was also a failure to interview the Stack household and to interview Brian’s wider group of pals.

“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 Síochána.

“It is admitted by An Garda Síochána that these are severe issues that had an affect on the investigation,” Martin said.

He formally apologised to the Stack household for these failings.