16 Jan 2014, 10:42
More than 100 former TDs and Senators will return to their old stomping ground on Friday (10.30 a.m., January 17) for a day-long seminar in Leinster House on the mounting twin problems of drugs and criminality.
The seminar – in the Seanad Éireann chamber – will debate a number of issues dealing with an organised response to both issues.
Former Justice Ministers Nora Owen and Dermot Ahern will participate.
Conor Brady, Garda historian and former Editor of The Irish Times, will kick-off the morning session (10.45) with a look at the emergence of organised crime. Law enforcement’s response will be outlined by retired Detective Superintendent Noel Clarke.
Other participants will include Brendan Kenny, Assistant Dublin City Manager, James MacGuill, former President of the Law Society, and retired District Court Judge Gillian Hussey. Their papers will look at Society’s response, strengths -- and weaknesses.
In the first afternoon (1430) session questioning how robust is the law, former CAB legal officer Barry Galvin will deal with measures to accelerate an end to the drug menace. Former Justice Minister Dermot Ahern will question is the law fit for purpose in challenging gangland and drug related crime. Michael Ahern, another former Minister, will ask if it is necessary to frustrate a small number of professional firms who, it is alleged, are unlawfully assisting criminal clients in money laundering.
Session four (1630), chaired by former Minister Pat Carey, will debate what should be the organised response. Speakers will include Irish Independent crime correspondent Paul Williams and Aodhán O’Riordáin TD.
There will be a photo-call on the plinth at 10.00 a.m.
The seminar will also be televised live on UPC Channel 207 and webcast on www.oireachtas.ie
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