Motion on the Morris Tribunal Reports - 15th June 2005

Mr. Norris: I am glad to have the opportunity
to take part in this debate. I had lunch yesterday
with the former Commissioner, Mr. Pat Byrne.
He reminded me that I had been invited some
years ago to talk at an international convention
on policing in Dublin Castle. I was invited in
order to stir things up and he told me that I most
certainly did. I woke them during the siesta slot
because I spoke about the type of problems
endemic not just in the Garda.
Part of what I said four or five years ago was
fairly prophetic when I look at the report of the
Morris tribunal. However, as Senator White said,
we should not excoriate ourselves and think that
our police force is particularly bad. Senator
McHugh said that it was dangerous to suggest this
is a Donegal phenomenon. However, the
situation can arise if one is not always watchful
which is why I support the Labour proposal
rather than the Government amendment. I do not
know why they could not be run together,
because I also agree with most of the Government
amendment although perhaps it could do
something regarding committees and we would
not have this divisive vote.
We all want to support the institution of the
Garda while looking at the neglect of duty and
the review of Garda procedures following the
crimes and the tragedy that occurred to the
McBrearty family. Many people do not understand
why they could not have been given some
comfort with regard to their fees. Everybody else
seems to have had money thrown at them, including
the legal profession. These people were
forced into a situation where they had to defend
themselves against accusations when they were
framed by the forces of the State. After \1 million
was spent, they could not get the comfort of being
told they would be paid. There is something radically
wrong in such a situation.
People did know. They must have known.
Reports were made. There is ministerial and political
responsibility and all parties should share
this and look into their own hearts. The
McBreartys were framed and ruined and there
was no proper investigation of what turned out to
be an accident. This man was unfortunately killed
in a hit and run. However, no proper procedures
were followed. Then came the idiotic and ludicrous
planting of explosives which were manufactured
in coffee grinders. Vincent Browne made a
laugh out of the situation and in one way he was
right. However, underneath that is something
deeply tragic.
I agree with what Ms White said about Mr.
be protected because they were whistleblowers in
a real and genuine sense and should not suffer
any kind of punishment as a result. The Dean
Lyons case was another dreadful situation, but his
sister’s rights have never been vindicated because
there was no prosecution of the person who actually
committed the crime. Here is an unresolved
situation with no finality.
I am very grateful to be allowed to speak on
this matter. People behaved badly and did wrong,
but we should not be vicious in going after them.
Some say their pensions should be taken away
but what will they live on and what will their
families do? I do not think this is right. We are
always blowing about Christian values, but is it
Christian to reduce them and throw them in the
gutter?