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Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Ashling Murphy and bail laws

Summary

Deputy Mattie McGrath calls for debate on bail laws, free legal aid and tagging in light of Ashling Murphy’s murder. The Chair groups this with Deputy Shanahan’s interrupted contribution before moving the business along.

While the Order of Business was agreed at our meeting last Thursday, the horrific and barbaric murder of Ashling Murphy took place afterwards. I want another debate, notwithstanding that there already are two debates, about the bail laws, free legal aid and the lack of tagging. Foot-dragging on all these issues has been going on in the Department of Justice and on the part of successive Governments with which the Taoiseach has been involved. I respect the premise that people are innocent until proven guilty, but too many individuals are availing of and making money out of the free legal aid system.

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Catherine Connolly An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Independent

I thank the Deputy. We are discussing the arrangements for business.

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I am asking for a debate because since the meeting of the Business Committee, a horrific and barbaric murder took place. We are wringing our hands, but we need to look at the bail laws, free legal aid and all the other issues, including tagging.

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Just before Christmas, the Department of Transport-----

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Catherine Connolly An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Independent

I beg the Deputy's pardon. There are two different groups. Deputy Tóibín is in the same group as Deputy Shanahan, not Deputy Mattie McGrath, so a member of the group cannot speak a second time. I beg Deputy Shanahan's pardon but I lost concentration for a moment. I call Deputy Pringle. Does the Deputy wish to raise an issue related to the Order of Business?

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