Fine Gael Dublin South Deputy Alan Shatter said today (Saturday) that respite services should never have been withdrawn at Leopardstown Park Hospital and has hailed their reintroduction as a victory for common sense. Continue reading »

Fine Gael Children’s Spokesman Alan Shatter TD has said the result of yesterday’s court case in which a man who had sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old girl was found not guilty highlights the need for Constitutional change. 

“The result of the court case in which a jury delivered a not guilty verdict in circumstances where the defendant pleaded that he honestly believed a 13 year old girl with whom he had sexual relations was over 17 years of age, again highlights the inadequacies of our child protection laws.

“The law in this area can only properly be reformed if a Constitutional Referendum takes place to restore an offence of absolute liability in such circumstances. Fine Gael is fully committed to the Constitutional and statutory reforms necessary.”

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Fine Gael Front Bench TD and Children’s Spokesman Alan Shatter has called on Health Minister Mary Harney to ensure that respite care services at Leopardstown Park Hospital are restored on an ongoing basis. Continue reading »

“Leopardstown Park Hospital has provided vital respite care services for many years, giving a much needed break to family members caring at home for elderly incapicated spouses and other family members. Leopardstown has limited beds available for respite care and they have to be booked well in advance. Continue reading »

Fine Gael Front Bench TD Alan Shatter has called for cross-party support for his Victims’ Rights Bill which is being debated at a special conference on the victims of crime today (Saturday). Continue reading »