Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation
Dail Éireann — 2026-01-21
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Jim O'Callaghan (FF), Dublin Bay South

I also commend Margaret Loftus on her courage in coming forward in public and on securing a conviction, which is a very significant achievement that she achieved. We also need to recognise that Margaret Loftus commended the investigating gardaí. There has now been a conviction. Once a member of An Garda Síochána is convicted of a criminal offence, there is a process under the Garda conduct regulations, which will be a matter initiated by the Commissioner. I have no doubt that those conduct regulations will deal with issues in respect of the garda's continuation within An Garda Síochána or not. That is a matter for the disciplinary process that will be put in place. I commend Margaret Loftus on her bravery. It was a very significant achievement for her to gain a conviction of assault against her abusing husband. She is an example to others as to how we can stand up to domestic violence.

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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