Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to ask the Leader if he could check a matter with the Minister for Justice and Equality. I read a most disturbing account of what took place in Trim court last Friday. I know I cannot name names here and will not do so. Apparently, a member of the public was taken from that court on the instructions of the judge with respect to some query about contempt of court. The man was returned to the court an hour later and, from witness reports, he had been badly beaten and his clothes were torn when he returned. Clearly, if this is correct, there needs to be some sort of statement from the Minister as to what happened when he was taken from the court. I will provide the Leader with the name of the man after this session. It is most disturbing that some things might happen in any of our courts.

On a lighter note, my colleague, Senator Conway, was complimenting the gentlemen professors in the House. We should also bear in mind that there are a few lady professors around the House who need to be complimented equally. That is all I have to say.