Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply. He outlined that there is provision in law for consecutive sentencing and that he is of the opinion that should happen for serious offences. However, in the recent case of Joe Drennan - a young man from near Mountrath in County Laois, where I come from, who was mowed down at a bus stop coming home from work - the driver of the car had 46 previous convictions. He fled the scene. He received a concurrent sentence, which means that he will not serve one additional hour in prison for the killing of the young man. That is shocking. Young Joe Drennan lost his life. His family lost him. There has been a strong campaign in the county to have this reversed. I welcome that the DPP is now appealing the decision.

However, while the Minister says the provision is there in law, it is not being taken on board in some of the courts. In a case like this where a person is up on serious charges, including shooting up a house, it is clear there should be concurrent sentencing and there needs to be clear guidelines on it.

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