Seanad debates

Tuesday, 13 July 2004

1:30 pm

John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

I too would like to join previous speakers, particularly Senator Norris, in seeking a debate on the Middle East. If this cannot be facilitated tomorrow perhaps it could be facilitated early in the next session. Given the lengthy debate we have had in the House on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the wall being built by the Israelis, the recent judgment of the International Court of Justice is to be welcomed. I hope we can have a debate in the near future to address the issues arising as a result.

I also wish to raise with the Leader the case of GrĂ¡inne Dillon, who was murdered in Limerick last year by a Portuguese national who was subsequently imprisoned. However, it now transpires that negotiations have taken place about repatriating the perpetrator to Portugal to serve his sentence. It is unacceptable that the family of Ms Dillon should learn from the media that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has sought a transcript of the trial proceedings to help in making a decision. I ask the Leader to raise this issue with the Minister. Victims do not cease to become victims overnight; they remain victims. If decisions are being made about the perpetrator of this crime the family should be kept informed so they do not learn of developments through the media.

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