Seanad debates

Thursday, 20 October 2005

10:30 am

Photo of Joe O'TooleJoe O'Toole (Independent)

I am sure all Members echo Senator Brian Hayes's words in regard to Mr. Rory Carroll. It is not appropriate to go any further than to express our solidarity and support for his family, particularly Mr. Joe Carroll who reported from this House on many occasions. Perhaps we should convey Members' collective support for the family and urge that all possible is done politically to secure his safe release.

The Ferns report is an issue deserving of discussion in this House. I was sickened by some of the information reported at the weekend. I do not want to trawl through this but aspects of it bothered me. One issue in particular stands out, that of the investigation into one of the most heinous aspects of this case, involving the abuse of eight girls on a church altar. The local gardaĆ­ who investigated the priest allegedly responsible believed there was a case to answer and drew up a full report. That report has never been seen since and this raises some questions. Is there a relationship at some level between the Garda and church authorities? The chief officer in question was rewarded by the Pope on his retirement. I do not want to examine the entrails of these matters but I would like a debate to be held with regard to the process that was involved.

Yesterday, I raised the issue of regulation of the Law Society and lawyers. Professional bodies may organise themselves through self or outside regulation or by means of an overarching organisation within which bodies, while maintaining the majority of responsibility for regulation, are answerable for their actions, must meet certain conditions and are subject to constant oversight. I would like to meet with the Law Society to learn of its views on this issue and invite other Members to join me in doing so.

I call for a debate on this matter because over the past four or five days, I have been contacted by a number of solicitors. As vice-chairman of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board, I have had many arguments with solicitors over the past two years. Despite that and recent events, I hold their profession in the highest regard. Many people told me they were ashamed that their profession was being dragged down by what they described as a small number of people. Solicitors on the ground want action to be taken. They are locally well regarded and want a proper supervisory authority. We need to get the view of various lawyers to determine how the issued may be addressed.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.