Seanad debates

Thursday, 29 March 2012

10:30 am

Photo of Caít KeaneCaít Keane (Fine Gael)

As Senator Bacik said, the Garda Representative Association has described as astonishing the fact that Martin McDermott was transferred to Loughan House, an open prison, having had 91 previous convictions. The Minister has said it was a mistake and that measures would be put in place to ensure such a occurrence was not repeated. He was convicted for the manslaughter of a garda. We expect the Garda to protect us as citizens. The Garda is special and over and above ordinary citizens. If we expect them to put their lives on the line for us, as legislators we should ensure their lives are protected in the ordinary line of duty. What sanctions will be imposed on those who made the mistakes because it is only by sanctions that one learns? While a system must be in place to ensure there is no recidivism and education facilities, Garda Gary McLoughlin's family cannot visit him, he is dead. I thought we did treat the Garda as a special category in respect of the prison system. This is a sad day for the Garda force in that Martin McDermott has been allowed escape. Not only had he 91 previous convictions but while he was in prison for the manslaughter of Garda Gary McLoughlin he had breached the rules, therefore, he was not entitled to be transferred to Loughan House. I ask that the matter be investigated even though there is a report on the issue. I want the report discussed in the House to ensure the Garda we put on the streets are safe.

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