MLAs Appeal To Lenihan On 'Injustice' Family

An Irish 'injustice' is to be targeted through a cross-party motion from the NI Assembly.

Irish Justice Minister Brian Lenihan is being urged by a range of Stormont Assembly members to intervene in the case of a family who claim they have endured a 28-year miscarriage of justice in the Republic.

The MLAs unanimously backed a motion from the DUP and Ulster Unionists expressing concern about the treatment of the particular family who allege they were forced into exile in Canada.

They also said that the father was then able to sexually abuse his youngest daughter after being granted access to her by the courts.

The family has accused the Irish political and legal establishment of failing to protect the children and refusing to admit they were wronged.

The motion was brought by Sir Reg Empey (UUP, East Belfast) and Jeffrey Donaldson (DUP, Lagan Valley) who noted it was first raised at Stormont six years ago.

Mr Donaldson said: "Six years since we last debated this matter, Mr Deputy Speaker, the family are still without justice despite much effort on their part to raise their plight with the Irish Government.

"They have asked for our help once again to highlight their concerns and to bring this matter to a level where justice is done and is seen to be done."

During the debate Alban Maginness (SDLP, North Belfast) called for a cross-party delegation to meet Mr Lenihan about the case.

(BMcC)