Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

Senator Cullinane wanted to ensure people have the right to a fair trial but fair trials are conducted in the Special Criminal Court, just as they are before jury trials. Fair trials are conducted because we have an independent Judiciary that applies the rule of law very carefully. Should something arise in a trial that warrants further examination, the opportunity to appeal a decision arises. It is important to recognise the reality so that we do not engage in a theoretical breastbeating based on the baggage Sinn Féin carries from the past.