Bailey to give briefing to TDs and Senators

Ian Bailey, the man who was arrested and questioned about the death of French film-maker Sophie Toscan du Plantier in 1996, is preparing to give a briefing to TDs and Senators in Leinster House next week.

The briefing is being organised by Independent TDs Mick Wallace and Clare Daly.

Mr Bailey was twice arrested and questioned by gardaí about the murder of Ms Toscan du Plantier at her holiday home near Schull in west Cork, but has always denied any involvement in her death.

The two TDs have sent an email to Oireachtas colleagues inviting them to the briefing by Mr Bailey, which is scheduled for Thursday.

"Ian Bailey was investigated in relation to the murder of French national Sophie Toscan du Plantier in west Cork in 1996," the email reads. "Due to the imminence of the likelihood of the French courts proceeding to prosecute Mr Bailey in his absence, based on a discredited Garda Síochána investigation, he would like to present some very factual, relevant information to members of the Oireachtas and seek their assistance in that regard."

The invitation is open to all TDs and Senators.

Mr Bailey and his partner, Jules Thomas, have both sued the State and the Garda Commissioner on grounds including alleged wrongful arrest arising from the conduct of the investigation.

Five-year investigation

Paris-based magistrate Patrick Gachon has carried out a five- year investigation into the killing; it is expected it will be decided in the new year whether to proceed with a prosecution in France. Mr Bailey has repeatedly claimed French investigators will attempt to try him in absentia.

In March 2012, the Supreme Court refused a French extradition warrant for Mr Bailey.

French detectives investigating the case have visited Ireland on numerous occasions in recent years.