Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for the opportunity to speak on the important issue of the confession of Dean Lyons and the broader issue of truth and justice in our State. This was an horrific case. To all the victims directly or indirectly connected to the case, I express my deepest sympathy for their loss and pain. When one considers the facts and details of the miscarriage of justice, I wonder if we have learned from the cases of the Sallins train robbery, the Birmingham Six or the Guildford Four.

At the core of this case is the issue of quality policing and the urgent need to get our policing and justice systems right. As a member of the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights, I actively pursue these issues. The Dean Lyons case is one that must be dealt with. I compliment my Independent colleague, Deputy Gregory, for being one of the first to highlight this case. One of the main reasons the commission of investigation is being established is as a result of Deputy Gregory's work and perseverance on this case. I commend his efforts.

When a case like the Dean Lyons case arises, there is an onus on all Members of the Oireachtas to support the investigation and stand up and be counted in the interests of truth and justice. Corruption in any quarter cannot be tolerated, whether it is in the Garda or, as suggested today in the media, in politics. It is a scandal and a disgrace. Sleaze and corruption damages us all. "You're all the same" syndrome is everywhere. I am sick to the teeth of getting it in the neck from voters, particularly the disillusioned, on this issue. Corrupt politicians have damaged politics in this country — that is the reality.

There must be a thorough investigation of what went radically wrong in the case of Dean Lyons, and it must be carried out in a professional and objective manner. I would welcome that type of serious investigation, which should be welcomed by all Members of the Oireachtas. That is why a red light goes on in my head when I see the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and other elements trying to undermine great groups like the Centre for Public Inquiry, funded by the great Irish-American Chuck Feeney. Do the Minister and these elements condone or understand white collar crime? Why would a Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform become directly involved in a whispering campaign to undermine a top-class group such as the Centre for Public Inquiry? Surely the Minister should welcome its great work in cleaning up Irish politics. I challenge the Minister on this issue. We must root out corruption in the Garda Síochána, and in all walks of life, especially politics. Why did it take so long to set up this investigation? Deputy Gregory pushed this issue many times but received no real response. Thankfully, the Minister has listened.

There are many other such cases, however, some genuine, some not, but action must be taken to ensure that all citizens are safe and secure, and that their human rights are protected. These are the issues in this case and every effort must be made to ensure that a citizen's rights are at the top of the political and policing agenda.

An example of such cases is that in England of Christy McGrath, the jockey from Carrick-on-Suir who is serving a life sentence for a crime I am convinced he did not commit. I agree with Richard Guest, winner of the 2001 Grand National who said "until my dying day I will not believe that Christy is responsible for this man's death". I urge the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to work with the Minister for Foreign Affairs on this case.

I welcome the commission of investigation into the Dean Lyons case. Once again, I offer my sincerest sympathy to all the victims concerned.

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