Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

Regarding Operation Oak, 24 associates of Mr. Martin Hyland have been arrested and 23 have been granted bail. I have stated on a number of occasions that I regard this as very deeply unsatisfactory and have been criticised for doing so because it has been seen as disparaging of the Judiciary. Article 40 of the Constitution obliges this State to protect and vindicate the rights of the people. The protection and vindication of the rights of the people is not entirely to do with due process. It is about preventing people from usurping the authority of the State by engaging in drug crime and gangland activities. The Judiciary must uphold the laws of the land laid down in this House.

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