Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

With regard to the sad and tragic loss of life in Galway, it behoves us all to await the outcome of the two reports or inquiries that are in train. We should not pre-judge what may emanate from them and something else may be required. Let us be calm and wait to see what the reports elicit. It is only then that we can decide if further action is required. That is my advice.

I wish to comment on the potential, or what looks like a definite, miscarriage of justice which has been mentioned and where the wrong person may have been charged. We now know there was a fraudulent insurance claim and a lot of new information has become available. In the first instance, as has been said by the Leader in another context a few days ago, it is a matter for the Garda authorities. There has been gap in time and the Garda authorities are different now. We have had a Donegal inquiry and, therefore, we should be confident that the Garda authorities, at the highest level, can deal with the matter if it has been made known to them. I gather that is the case from what Senator Whelan and other Senators have said. Let us then have a statement from the Minister for Justice and Equality if we need it.