Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

Will the Acting Leader discuss with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the possibility of him making a statement in the House next week on the extent of damages which can be awarded to individual citizens who have been wrongly convicted? I refer to the issue which arises in respect of Mr. Frank Shortt following yesterday's High Court ruling. It is fair to say there is considerable public disquiet regarding the level of the damages awarded to Mr. Shortt following his and his family's appalling treatment by this State for a considerable period. It is also fair to say the award was paltry and I am in no way commenting on the judge in the case or on the court.

I wish to refer to the legislation which underpins the possibility of awards in such cases. It is a serious matter that someone who has been wrongly convicted, treated in such an appalling way by this State and who spent nearly three years in jail on a concocted charge would, at the end of the day, be awarded such a paltry figure of €1.9 million. Will the Acting Leader raise the matter with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and ask him if he could come before the House to set out the extent of reform he might propose following this case to ensure people in this category — this man is not alone — can ultimately obtain justice from this State? That is what these people seek. Will the Acting Leader have that discussion with the Minister and perhaps report back to the House next week?

Two years ago, both Houses passed a unanimous motion allowing the Defence Forces to go to Liberia in west Africa — a much troubled part of the world. To date, over 1,300 Irish troops have served in Liberia. There are 430 troops there at present. I take this opportunity, as I am sure all Members will, to congratulate our troops on their excellent work in Liberia during the past two years. Their work and that of other peacekeepers has ensured that a peaceful election process, with an 80% turnout, could take place there this week. Too often we commit troops to locations around the world as part of our UN obligations but forget the huge commitment being made by them and their families at home and to building peace and democracy throughout the world. I salute their efforts today, given that the House debated the matter two years ago and that it was a joint resolution of both Houses which permitted them to go in the first instance. It is a job well done and we must ensure those brave men and women in our Defence Forces hear the message from this House.