Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I support the sentiments expressed by Senator O'Toole in regard to the possible release of the killers of Detective Garda McCabe, particularly given the manner in which this is being dealt with by the Taoiseach. It was extremely upsetting to witness Mrs. McCabe and members of her family on the airwaves expressing their disappointment and, I am sure, anger at the way in which this is being dealt with. This is particularly so in light of the commitments given to them by the Taoiseach and others that the killers would not be released early.

The way in which the Taoiseach has dealt with the McCabe family is disgraceful. The Taoiseach did not have the manners or courtesy to speak with Mrs. McCabe before this became public knowledge and she had to learn of it over the airwaves, which is very shoddy treatment of the widow of a garda who was killed in a brutal fashion. The matter should be dealt with as speedily as possible and this issue should not be a part of the current negotiations.

I raised the issue of domestic violence in the House on a number of occasions. In light of the many press releases which Women's Aid received this week due to the occasion of domestic violence international day, we need an urgent debate on domestic violence. It is a serious and growing issue in Ireland and internationally not only for women generally, but also for the elderly and, as noted this week, with regard to violence in the home against people with disabilities. An urgent debate is required.