RCNI Press Release 16 January 2007
RCNI seek clarification on constituency practice following Minister Killeen’s attempts to interfere with the course of justice
Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) today demanded action from the Fianna Fáil party on why there may be a practice of seeking the early release for those convicted of serious crimes in a Fianna Fáil junior Minister’s constituency office.
Fiona Neary, RCNI Executive Director said, ‘we are simply appalled that this practice happened. We understand two letters were sent from Minister Killeen’s office. This is, therefore, not a one-off error, it may in fact amount to unacceptable practice. We would like to hear from the Fianna Fáil party in the strongest possible terms what its policies are regarding constituency activity in seeking to intervene in the legal process.
Given the difficulty in convicting serious sex offenders, to then have politicians attempt to interfere with the course of justice on behalf of those convicted criminals is totally reprehensible. One would have imagined, after the Bobby Malloy incident some years ago, that all political parties would have in place policies and guidelines that would ensure this practice did not continue. It appears we were naïve to assume this. We would also seek assurances from all other political parties that their representatives do not engage in this practice at constituency level.’
Notes:
• The RCNI is the national forum of Rape Crisis Centres, which provides a strong voice for survivors and is a catalyst for social change to end rape and all forms of sexual violence.
For information contact:
Cliona Saidlear 087 2196447
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Fiona Neary, RCNI Executive Director said, ‘we are simply appalled that this practice happened. We understand two letters were sent from Minister Killeen’s office. This is, therefore, not a one-off error, it may in fact amount to unacceptable practice. We would like to hear from the Fianna Fáil party in the strongest possible terms what its policies are regarding constituency activity in seeking to intervene in the legal process.
Given the difficulty in convicting serious sex offenders, to then have politicians attempt to interfere with the course of justice on behalf of those convicted criminals is totally reprehensible. One would have imagined, after the Bobby Malloy incident some years ago, that all political parties would have in place policies and guidelines that would ensure this practice did not continue. It appears we were naïve to assume this. We would also seek assurances from all other political parties that their representatives do not engage in this practice at constituency level.’
Notes:
• The RCNI is the national forum of Rape Crisis Centres, which provides a strong voice for survivors and is a catalyst for social change to end rape and all forms of sexual violence.
For information contact:
Cliona Saidlear 087 2196447
……………..End…………………
Rape Crisis Network Ireland, 4 Prospect Hill, Galway, Ireland
Registered in Dublin, Ireland Company Reg.: 363350 Charity No.: 13236
091 563676
091 563677
Registered in Dublin, Ireland Company Reg.: 363350 Charity No.: 13236
