Cyprian Brady (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this agreed motion. Citizens of this democratic Republic are all subject to the rule of law and bound by the rules of law and order. We elect our representatives in this democracy to legislate and produce laws to protect ourselves and our families and to apply those laws equally to everybody.

The political implications of what happened to Joseph Rafferty are one issue, but far more important and horrifying are the human implications of what happened to him. The Rafferty family and their relations and friends are traumatised by what they have gone through in recent months. That is on what we should focus. As public representatives, many Members of this and the other House have worked with Sinn Féin representatives and activists for a number of years. We know what they are capable of and, more importantly, we know what they are not capable of. What do we as public representatives say to a mother who calls to see one of us in an advice centre concerning her 16 year old son who was dragged into the back of a van, beaten to a pulp, thrown out of the van in the carpark of a shopping centre and told later it was a case of mistaken identity? What do the Rafferty family say to Joseph's child about how their father died? These are the human implications of what we are talking about.

What the Rafferty family and Councillor Gary Keegan are seeking is justice for Joseph, his child and wider family. As representatives, we must do everything possible to maintain pressure on the elements within Sinn Féin who have information about this case and to give that information to the gardaí. If the Sinn Féin leadership want to be seen as leaders, they should lead. Our leaders, the Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, spoke to the family and they were proactive in dealing with this case. If the Sinn Féin leadership wants to be seen as what they are portraying themselves to be, they must take action. There is an onus on us to support the Rafferty family and the view has come across that we all do so. We support their efforts and cause. As citizens, we are all subject to the rule of law and order. The fact that so many Senators committed themselves to dealing with this issue is significant.

I commend the family and Councillor Keegan and assure them that those of us on this side of the House will support them in all their efforts.