Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

Since we last had Question Time the incident with regard to the transfer of the killer of Garda Gary McLoughlin occurred and I compliment the Minister on how he responded to it very quickly and commissioned a report. Mr. Michael Donnellan of the Irish Prison Service came before the committee. However, it brings into focus the issue of the original sentence in the case and in the case of the killer of the late Garda Robbie McCallion. These gardaí were killed on duty while protecting their communities but because of the charges brought in one case the judge had to direct the jury it could not take into account the fact it involved a serving garda. It is a huge problem and disappointment for their families and colleagues that although the gardaí were doing their job protecting communities, and would otherwise not have been in the position they were on those evenings, no special focus was given to the individuals who killed them.

I am conscious of the work of the Law Reform Commission and the Minister's personal commitment about this but we must send out a message. The Minister stated the sentence for the murder of a garda is 40 years. I might be young but I can remember a time when it was a capital offence. These two guys are perceived as having got away relatively lightly and we also had the issue of the transfer of Martin McDermott. This is very difficult for the families of the gardaí, both of which I have spoken to, and for their colleagues. I am sure the Minister agrees the Oireachtas must send out a very strong statement about protecting not only gardaí but security forces and emergency personnel. I hope the Minister acts on the recommendations of the Law Reform Commission.

See this speech in context