At a time when state-of-the-art prison facilities were being provided for law-breakers, one Co Dublin family had recently undergone such a dreadful experience at the hands of criminals that they had had to quit their home permanently, the leascathaoirleach, Mr Liam Cosgrave (FG), told the House.
Asking for a debate on the "intelligent" document produced by the Minister for Justice on the victim support charter, Mr Cosgrave said they needed to discuss the whole question of how the rights of crime victims could be addressed.
Further explaining why he felt a debate was urgently needed, he said that within the past fortnight, a family in Booterstown had been held overnight in their home. "They have since left the house, never to return. I think this is a terrible tragedy."
Stating that he agreed fully with the sentiments expressed by Mr Cosgrave, the Leader of the House, Mr Donie Cassidy, said he would endeavour to have time provided for the debate which had been sought.