Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Denis Landy for his kind comments. It is 75 years since Tipperary man Harry Gleeson was executed for a crime he had not committed. His life was extinguished in the most questionable of circumstances and it was definitely a gross miscarriage of justice. Mr. Sean McBride who had defended him always saw it as such, as did the ordinary people who were familiar with the case. On each occasion when I raised it in the House I always harboured the hope official Ireland, when contemplating the base of justice, would take the opportunity to declare the innocence of Harry Gleeson, for which many had campaigned, including Marcus de Búrca who produced a book on the case. The documentary produced by TG4 also played a role in this regard. I commend the former Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, for the interest he took in the case and progressing it. The President of Ireland is also familiar with the case and the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, has recommended to him that he exercise his power to grant a pardon. Given its nature and that it is the first time in the State that there has been a posthumous pardon, it would be good if there was a certain formality and solemnity when it was being granted. I hope the President will consider bringing together in Áras an Uachtaráin the people who took an interest in the case. Its exceptional nature requires solemnity. I compliment the Minister on making the final move to ensure the innocence of Tipperary man Harry Gleeson will be declared.