David Norris (Independent)

I wish to propose a change in the Order of Business to take No. 20 first, namely a motion relating to licensing practices of the Dublin District Court system, especially in the light of the debate we had last week on alcohol consumption by young people. Although Dublin City Council and the Garda objected to the granting of an off-licence in respect of a shop in O'Connell Street, those objections were thrown out and I understand that Dublin City Council will not appeal that decision. This House ought to have an opportunity to express a view that this matter should be appealed, otherwise it will lead to terrible trouble in the city centre.

I also request a statement from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on the issue raised on the "Today with Pat Kenny" radio programme last week in relation to a school teacher who was wrongly accused of sexual abuse of a mildly handicapped child. This has been going on for six years. The case was eventually thrown out following a unanimous decision by a jury, but the man was suspended from his job. On several occasions he was held overnight in a Garda station and when he was brought to court, the public had advance knowledge of his appearance there. He was spat upon, kicked, pushed, beaten and abused, but he was innocent. For six years his children could not have birthday parties because the mother knew none of the neighbours would attend in light of the fact that he had been accused and stigmatised as a child abuser.

We have had inquiries and tribunals about all kinds of issues, but it is only right that there should be an inquiry into this gross miscarriage of justice against a citizen of the State. We are entitled to know why this case was referred to a court by the Director of Public Prosecutions when there was apparently no significant evidence and certainly none that would stand up in court.