Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)

I am glad to get the opportunity to welcome Shane's family, Jim and Lucia and their girls. I am sorry they had to go through so much to get recognition for what happened on that fateful night. I commiserate with them on the loss of their son and thank them for doing so much to try to protect his name and to ensure he got the proper recognition he and they deserve.

I thank the Minister for doing the honourable thing this evening and the Government for making the apology that is so deserved. It matters because a terrible wrong was done. A man who should not have been on the road, should not even have been loose, was and the whole thing was covered up for many years. It is only right that we and the Government make the apology they deserve. I hope they can clear their minds.

His family will never forget Shane or cease to miss him, but at lease the burden and the fight they were carrying for many years to get recognition is over. They cannot bring him back but at least right is being done as far as the Government and the Minister are concerned. I am grateful that this is happening tonight. I wish the family the best for the future because they deserve it.

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