The family of a student who died following a hit and run in 2011 is calling for the government to speed up establishing a public inquiry into his case.

23-year-old Shane O'Farrell died after he was hit by a car while cycling near Carrickmacross, County Monaghan in August 2011.

The driver had been released from the courts on several bail bonds and Mr O’Farrell’s family have said his breach of bail conditions meant he should have been in custody at the time.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan says he has asked the Attorney General for advice, as a Garda Ombudsman investigation is ongoing.

But Mr O’Farrell's sister, Gemma, said there is nothing stopping a public inquiry from happening.

“There is no legal impediment to them establishing a public inquiry,” she said.

“That can be established a matter of course following the Dáil vote. The fact that this matter is with GSOC is irrelevant.”

“We are positive in what the next steps will be - but naturally the second part of the GSOC investigation has to follow.”

The family of Shane O’Farrell arriving at Garda HQ to meet Commissioner Drew Harris. Shane was killed in a hit and run in 2011. His family are strongly critical of the Garda handling of the case and want a Commission of Investigation. pic.twitter.com/TDv2SpH1HF

— Shane Beatty (@ShaneBeattyNews) January 4, 2019

The O’Farrell family met with the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris today to discuss the case.

After the meeting, Mr O'Farrell’s mother Lucia O’Farrell said it was important the family had the opportunity to discuss the case with Commissioner Harris.

“It is nice to meet him first-hand, show him the evidence, show him the time line of the failure and let him ponder on that now and let him ponder on that now and give it some thought,” she said.

“He was very respectful and very helpful. It was a helpful meeting.

“I think he is a very sincere man; a very respectful man.”

Reporting from Shane Beatty