Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

Indeed, on the one occasion when I arranged a meeting between the McBrearty family and the Minister, last month, on the issue of costs, Deputy McDowell cancelled it at the last minute on the spurious grounds that Mr. Mark McConnell was attending and that the lawyers were not, although no such condition was made prior to the meeting. The following week, in stark contrast, the Taoiseach found time to have an impromptu meeting without forewarning, with the McBrearty family and without their lawyers being present.

The Minister has acted like a bully boy throughout. He has been impervious to the traumatic experiences and grief of so many victims in Donegal. A Minister for justice in a democratic society should not be allowed to behave in such a fashion towards the innocent citizens of the country. The Taoiseach should give the Minister his marching orders.

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