I remind Members that if they cannot make their point in 60 seconds, they have asked the question in the wrong forum. There is one question per TD. I call Deputy Mary Lou McDonald.

You might stop the clock and put it back to-----

We will reset the clock.

Thank you. I am obliged.

Questions will be taken by the Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan. The Taoiseach is leaving.

The State not alone failed Garda Margaret Loftus; it actively protected her abuser, Garda Trevor Bolger. Margaret was subjected not alone to a prolonged, sustained and violent assault, as has been commented on in the public domain, but also to a sustained campaign of threat, intimidation and menace by Trevor Bolger. Yet, this man was promoted, given a firearm, given more responsibility and protected. This raises the most serious questions for An Garda Síochána, including its failure to investigate, its promotion of this individual and his ongoing employment by the State. It also raises a very serious question for the Director of Public Prosecutions. This man was charged with a section 2 assault, which is the most minor assault. He walked away with a suspended sentence of three months, not even a rap on the knuckles.

I also commend Margaret Loftus on her courage in coming forward in public and on securing a conviction, which is a very significant achievement that she achieved. We also need to recognise that Margaret Loftus commended the investigating gardaí. There has now been a conviction. Once a member of An Garda Síochána is convicted of a criminal offence, there is a process under the Garda conduct regulations, which will be a matter initiated by the Commissioner. I have no doubt that those conduct regulations will deal with issues in respect of the garda's continuation within An Garda Síochána or not. That is a matter for the disciplinary process that will be put in place. I commend Margaret Loftus on her bravery. It was a very significant achievement for her to gain a conviction of assault against her abusing husband. She is an example to others as to how we can stand up to domestic violence.