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

I named the victim. I named a number of other victims. I did not name the gardaí.

Mr. Sheehan protested his innocence and said that this was a set-up. I have mentioned the case of Mr. James Sheehan a number of times. I have met him and I believe him 100%. The DPP also believed him, the charges were dropped and he was cleared. However, when he went to push this blatant set-up further and clear his name, the gun disappeared from Garda protection. Why? He endeavoured to vindicate his name, yet untruths and barriers were put in front of him by some gardaí. He is still suffering today and his family are also suffering, particularly when they want to travel through airports on holidays. His nightmare continues yet nobody listened to his claim that the gun was planted. This is a really sad, true story, yet the silence is deafening.

I will continue to fight Mr. James Sheehan's case until the truth comes out and he gets justice. This case is at the core of this legislation. This Bill is not anti-gardaí or anti-justice. The legislation is sensible, fair and above all it is the way to run policing in any democratic state. I urge all Deputies to vote for this legislation.

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