Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am shocked and disappointed with the reply that the churches will not be open for Easter. The Minister, Deputy Donnelly, said in the House that penal provisions were not affecting the priests. Fr. Hughes proved otherwise. Is it that we are flouting European law and the judge in Scotland was wrong? He accepted the case and said that European rights in Scotland were being denied. We can do what we like in Europe. Shame, shame, shame on the Government. It is so sad that this could happen in such a way. That was such a response to read out this evening. It is unchristian and uncaring. It is shocking to think that people of all faiths would be denied services at Easter. It is beyond belief. I salute Declan Ganley. The Government lawyers could not answer his case, and they got two weeks to do so. How clever of the judge to put it back for two weeks until after Easter. Imagine in a court case they could not answer questions as to whether it was legal. The Garda Commissioner cannot answer and neither can the press officer. The Minister of State came in this evening and spouted out that diatribe to us. It is shocking.

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