Press release
Statement by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan TD, on the death of Frank Murray
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
"It is with great sadness that I have learned of the passing of my good friend Frank Murray. Frank was a most dedicated and distinguished public servant. He began an exemplary career with the civil service in 1960, which culminated in his appointment as Secretary General to the Government in 1993. He served in that key position during the crucial period which led to the Good Friday Agreement. Following his retirement in 2000 he continued to contribute his considerable talents to Irish public life and held a number of Board level positions with the Public Appointments Service, the Military Heritage of Ireland Trust, the Parnell Society and the Institute of Public Administration (IPA).
"In 2006 Frank was appointed by the Government as co-Commissioner of the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains, succeeding former Tánaiste John Wilson. He had a particular commitment to the cause of the disappeared and their families and he never wavered in his pursuit of the humanitarian objectives of the Commission. On Palm Sunday of this year, as every year, he attended the Mass in St Patrick’s Cathedral Armagh for the Disappeared to stand with the families and to show his unstinting support for the return of their loved ones.
"In all of his work Frank was a consummate professional and a perfect gentleman. He has truly done this State some service.
"I want to offer my most sincere sympathies to his wife Maureen and to his children and grandchildren at this difficult time.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."
ENDS