Reports that yet another bank official and his family have been subjected to the appalling trauma of assault and kidnapping makes it clear that the Minister for Justice is failing in his basic political responsibility of protecting the citizens of the State, stated Fine Gael Justice Spokesman, Alan Shatter T.D. Continue reading »

Justice Committee must be allowed to approve lay appointees to Judicial Council

 The delay by Government in bringing before the Dáil the long-promised Judicial Council Bill is inexcusable, Fine Gael Spokesman for Justice, Alan Shatter T.D. said today (Monday).

Deputy Shatter went on to say that over a decade has passed since the need for such legislation was first acknowledged and over eight years have elapsed since the Government had to withdraw the defective legislation it published in 2001. Continue reading »

193 gun murders between 1998 and 21^st March 2010 resulting in only 23 convictions up to that date

Fine Gael Spokesman for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Alan Shatter T.D., has stated today (Monday) that the Minister for Justice is utterly failing in his most basic duty of ensuring that ordinary people feel safe on Dublin’s streets.

“This Government has utterly failed to bring to justice the majority of those responsible for gangland shootings. This morning’s events in Fairview have significantly contributed to widespread public concern that some parts of Dublin are now subject to gun law and not the rule of law. Dublin is becoming more like 1920’s prohibition era Chicago rather than a capital city where people can feel safe and secure. Continue reading »

Speaking after a man was shot dead in broad daylight in Dublin today (Tuesday) in what is believed to be another gangland murder, Fine Gael Justice Spokesman Alan Shatter said Justice Minister Dermot Ahern has failed utterly to gain control of Ireland’s gangland. Continue reading »

Calls for Headshops to be closed down and for end to murderous drug gangs

Deputy Alan Shatter:    “I will share time with Deputies Catherine Byrne and James Reilly.

I would like to start by thanking the Minister for his good wishes on taking up the position as Fine Gael Justice Spokesperson. I hope we will be able to co-operate. I hope that co-operation would extend to the Minister taking on board constructive amendments proposed by this side of the House to Bills produced by him and being willing to give support to Private Members’ Bills that we produce in the public interest to address issues that the Government either has not had the time to address or, indeed, has failed to address regardless of time but which are urgent.

I would like to start off by saying that the principle of this Bill has the full support of the Fine Gael Party. We believe that there is an absolute public duty and a necessity to bring an end to the scourge of head shops and young people being lured into using psychoactive substances, some of which have had catastrophic effects for those who have taken them. Our critique of the Government is the length of time it has taken to produce this Bill. Continue reading »