Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to speak to this debate on sections 2 to 4, 6 to 12, 14 and 17 of the Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 and legislation relating to the Criminal Justice Act. It is always important to reflect upon, examine and pay close attention to a motion like this as we should never take human rights or respect for human dignity of citizen for granted. This is also an opportunity to examine where the people are on this island with regard to justice after many years of violence and conflict. It is important to scrutinise laws and legislation but we must come to the process with an open mind and see if such measures are needed in the current political climate.

It is important for us to learn from the mistakes of the past so that our justice system is fair and above reproach. Do most of our citizens have faith in the justice system? Many would say they do not and many have major concerns, and there can be no running away from these hard questions, particularly when major injustice has been done to innocent people. I wonder if a short 45 minute debate is enough when things are not right in our own system. For example, is it right that a man involved in a garlic tax scam gets a six-year sentence after repaying money to the Revenue Commissioners while violent criminals and abusers get lesser sentences? People are asking such questions across broader society and they must be addressed in the justice system.

Why does the Taoiseach not meet the families and relatives of the people killed in the Omagh slaughter? Why is the British Government being ignored and let off the hook in handing over files with regard to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings? I sat on the Oireachtas justice committee that considered the Barron report so I saw the evidence. The Dáil passed an all-party motion that demanded action. We are talking about offences against our citizens and State but there is silence and a lack of action. These are important issues and the fudge must end. I call on the Minister and the Government to give a commitment to meet the Omagh relatives and do something about the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. We should see some movement and justice for the families, above all, on both sides of the conflict. With regard to the broader debate on offences against the State, we all have a duty to try to ensure this type of legislation will at some stage be no longer needed in this country.

See this speech in context