Limerick violence and sentencing
Deputy Bernard J. Durkan referred to serious events in Limerick and called for regularity in how such cases are addressed. The Taoiseach said the Judicial Council and sentencing guidelines were the best route for further analysis and reform.
I want to be associated with the remarks that have already been made on the passing of Tommie Gorman and Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh and recognise the huge contributions they both made in their respective fields to this country’s society, politics, public life and sport in general. While I do that, I might also mention our own colleague, former Deputy Bernard Allen, who similarly made a great contribution to society.
I want to briefly comment on the sad events that should not have happened in Limerick in the past week, as well as their aftermath and consequences. I want to point out that there is an awful lot of law in this country. We have laws that control everything and nothing. Time after time we have seen situations where people ask why something happened and say that we must change the law. When we reflect on it, however, we find the law was already in place but for various reasons the law was ignored. I want to ask if it would be possible to carry out an audit of the legal system, the Judiciary, the system of law in this country and the administration of law in this country-----
Comment on this
I thank Deputy Durkan for raising this important matter. The best way forward on this is through the Judicial Council, which has now been established and provides a structure for issues such as sentencing guidelines. Some analysis and research will be carried out. The Deputy is quite right that the administration of justice in Ireland will greatly benefit from it.