The Government should offer an apology or compensation to the two people who had charges of rape against them dropped earlier this week, said Mr Joe Doyle (FG).
He was referring to the decision by the DPP not to proceed further against Ms Nora Wall, a former nun, and Mr Paul McCabe, whose convictions on charges of the rape of a 10-year-old girl were quashed by the Court of Criminal Appeal following errors in their June trial.
Pointing out that no apology had been offered to the pair, Mr Doyle urged the Leader of the House, Mr Donie Cassidy, to ask the Government to make an apology or to offer some recompense.
Mr David Norris (Ind) said he had expressed concerns some time ago that there were serious flaws in the case. These people, particularly Ms Wall, had been judged, sentenced and garotted in the press. What redress did this lady have?
"I certainly think, in the light of the way in which that case was handled, Senator Doyle has asked a very appropriate question. I think this House should express its concern to the Minister for Justice and see if anything can be done to rectify the damage done to this person and her companion."