Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I commend Senator O'Donovan on highlighting the issue he raised. I have a family member in his position, so I understand the devastating impact of the condition.

On Wednesday last, I attended a powerful Oireachtas briefing with Relatives for Justice on the tragic killing of two schoolboys, Gavin McShane and Shane McArdle, in 1994. They were murdered by an unmasked gunman while they played a video game in an arcade. The young boys were targeted because they were in an area of Armagh city frequented mainly by Catholics. I was really moved by the contributions made by the members of the McShane family, Alana and Caionn, who bravely and courageously spoke of the nightmarish 27 years since their beloved brother's death. They said they remain focused on getting justice for Gavin. I highlight the campaign the McShane family have been carrying out and I seek the solidarity and support of Senators to get the meeting with An Taoiseach that has been requested by Relatives for Justice.

At the briefing on Wednesday, we also heard from John Finucane MP, who experienced the murder of his father, Pat. He spoke of the legal knock-on effect of the failure to carry out any meaningful investigation after the deaths of the two boys. It was shocking. He stated that the criminal investigation opportunities were limited from the outset due to a failure to collect necessary evidence. He went on to state that in the case of Gavin's death, it was one family and their supporters against the system, and that the legal arrangements are now in the civil area and are exploring the opportunity for an inquest. My heart breaks for the McShane family. Gavin's death is one of many needless tragic murders and we need to do all we can to bring justice to the brave families who seek it. John spoke of the detailed report on Gavin's and Shane's deaths published by Relatives for Justice in 2019, which highlighted multiple deficiencies in the subsequent Royal Ulster Constabulary murder investigation. Relatives for Justice would be a very important and viable witness for the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice. It should be given an opportunity to present the findings of its 2019 report. It is important that Relatives for Justice secures the solidarity and support of Senators in order to get a meeting with An Taoiseach.

On the diverting of the aeroplane in Belarus, I fully agree that action must be taken against Belarus. I agree also with the sanctions taken against Russia over Crimea. Nevertheless, when sanctions are suggested against apartheid Israel over the massacre of women and children in Gaza, with war crimes being committed daily, the silence is deafening. There is considerable injustice in that regard.