Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

Yesterday, I visited a young Tipperary man, Christopher McGrath, in Gartree Prison in England. He is 27 years of age and four or five years ago was sentenced to life imprisonment for a crime he says he did not commit. I have studied the papers on the case and have met the committee campaigning for his release. After yesterday's interview I am convinced he has a strong case for an appeal. There is every indication that this is another miscarriage of justice. This is underlined by the fact that 50 MPs now support him. One of the most proactive of those is Mr. John McDonnell, the Chairman of the British-Irish Interparliamentary Body. The Department of Foreign Affairs has been helpful. However, will the Leader speak to the Minister and urge him to be more proactive on the matter? It is harrowing to see a young champion jockey with a great career before him in such a situation. He convinced me that he is innocent and we should help him. I acknowledge the great courtesy and co-operation extended to me as a Senator by the prison authorities.