Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

Regarding the release over the weekend of one of the killers of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe, I too was disturbed to discover that the family had to find out about the impending release of the killer in a Sunday newspaper. I understand contact was made after publication of the newspaper. This was a lack of judgment on the part of the authorities. We need to apologise to the family and to review the procedures in order that similar incidents do not occur in future. Will the Leader impress upon the Minister the need to take action so that a widow and family do not have to learn about the impending release of killers from reading the national newspapers?

The weekend also saw another incidence of gangland killing, this time outside the jurisdiction, in Spain. My party put forward a Bill in this House last autumn to put the witness protection scheme on a statutory footing. At the time we were informed by the Minister that such a scheme was inappropriate. In light of the ongoing crime spree it may be time for the Minister to review his decision and perhaps introduce a statutory witness protection scheme. Will the Leader convey those thoughts to the Minister and perhaps prevail upon him to think again?

I wish to raise the issue of road deaths. I note from this morning's newspaper that the Minister, Deputy Noel Dempsey, has stated it is not his responsibility to ensure people obey the law when it comes to matters such as overtaking or driving without seat belts. This morning a report stated that one quarter of the car drivers killed in 2006 were not wearing seat belts. This is an appalling statistic and I maintain it is the responsibility of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I ask that the Minister be requested to ensure the Garda Síochána enforces this law. It is against the law to drive without a seat belt. I am certain this House will support the Minister in this matter. It is essential to reduce the number of road deaths and the existing laws should be enforced.