This article is from page 4 of the 2006-11-14 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
FINE Gael TD Pat Breen has blamed the Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell, and sections of the media for the storm of controversy surrounding his tabling of a Dáil question into the early release of a convicted child rapist.
Deputy Breen gave a written statement to the primary victim of sex offender, Joseph Nugent, when the two met in Doonbeg on Sunday.
In the letter, Deputy Breen does not apologise for tabling the question and instead focuses on the role Minister McDowell and the media have had in the affair.
In the letter, Deputy Breen states, “This issue would never have been the subject of public debate if it had been handled in the normal way.
“However, the Minister for Justice in his Dáil reply provided unusual and extensive detail about the case, which clearly identified those involved.
“This directly led to it becoming a public issue because certain sections of the tabloid media saw an opportunity to create sensational headlines without showing any regard for the pain and suffering it would cause to the victims.
“Thankfully, other sections of the media acted responsibly and treated the issue with sensitivity.
“I genuinely regret the pain and suffering that you have been caused, not only by the terrible crimes of the perpetrator, but also the fact that you had to relive the terrible experiences because of the actions of certain sections of the media.
“Although, it is not under my control, I hope for your sake that there will be no more debate on the matter.”
Explaining the circumstances around the tabling the question, Deputy Breen said, “I was approached by a relative of Joseph Nugent who was seeking clarification as to the exact situation in relation to Joseph Nugent.
“The family was totally confused about the matter, having received conflicting information on different occasions. It is usual for a TD to be approached on an issue such as this and I agreed to table a written question to seek this information on their behalf.”
The victim told The Clare People yesterday that he was satisfied with the letter from Deputy Breen.
“Deputy Breen told me that he regretted asking the Dáil question. We had a cup of tea and I think both of us want to get on with our lives now.”
Nugent is currently serving a sixyear term in Portlaoise for the buggery and indecent assault of two young west Clare boys.
Last month, Deputy Breen tabled a Dáil question inquiring when the 74year old, Nugent would be eligible for early release. Minister McDowell said that due to the seriousness of the offences, he would not be authorising any early release.