Carol Nolan honours Shane, urges justice after unlawful death

Carol Nolan paid tribute to Shane and his family, condemning the treatment they faced and calling for action after his tragic and unlawful death by a reckless, cowardly criminal. She said she co-signed a private member's motion and urged reforms to prevent families being brutalised by the state, the courts and other authorities.

Tribute to Shane and his family

Carol Nolan highlighted a mother's unwavering love and a family's determination to overcome denials, bureaucratic indifference and hostility. She named Shane's mother Lucia as a model of persistence and noted the family's pain, including his sisters and his father Jim.

Political action and the private member's motion

She recalled co-signing, with other members, a private member's motion calling for action and justice for Shane, and mentioned receiving a last email from Lucia in July following that effort. Nolan presented the motion as part of the push to secure accountability and change.

Critique of institutions and authorities

The speech criticised denials, bureaucratic indifference and the outright hostility some showed to owning up to the wrong done to Shane. Nolan warned against the brutalising treatment of families at the hands of the state, the courts and other authorities.

Hope for reform and prevention

While acknowledging that nothing can return Shane to his family, she said action can be taken to ensure no other family endures similar treatment. Nolan described the proceedings as a small step toward justice and reform.