Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions
Dail Éireann — 2026-01-21
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Micheál Martin (FF), Cork South-Central

First, I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. In the first instance, I pay tribute to the victim here - Margaret Loftus. I commend her bravery in speaking out. I did not get an opportunity to see "Prime Time" last evening. Her courage in reporting this matter has seen it come through the courts and a guilty verdict delivered. We applaud her strength and resilience, showing that no matter who the perpetrator is, those engaged in domestic violence will be investigated and will be prosecuted.
The Government will continue to reinforce a zero-tolerance approach to domestic violence and gender-based violence. Such behaviour has no place in any part of modern society. As Deputy Bacik knows, in recent years we established Cuan, and we are pursuing a new strategy. Standards have to apply. I was involved in the matter in regard to the Defence Forces. It applies equally to An Garda Síochána. I have no doubt An Garda Síochána will reflect on these findings. I do not want to prejudice the outcome of any disciplinary situation. I say that with the best interests of the victim in mind here, in terms of an outcome that could materialise. All of the facts, as the Deputy and the court outlined, would have to be considered by An Garda Síochána. When I reflected on this case, given the Charleton inquiry and earlier inquiries, there is a lot of concern about how this case progressed in terms of the lesser charge and so on. I have real concerns about that because some of that emerged in earlier inquiries as well. I say that without prejudice to this case. How this progressed is a matter of significant concern. The length of time is extraordinary for the victim. This does need to be examined, and will be examined.
There has been a finding of guilt and a conviction. Internal Garda disciplinary processes will now have to be followed. That is where it is right now. Again, there is a broader issue in terms of standards and character that apply to membership of An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-01-21/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-31T01:00:51+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-01-21