Three of the five stolen car fatalities in Cork this year involved offenders on early or temporary prison release or convicted car thieves.
As prayers were offered in Cork last night for the mother of three, Ms June Atkins (46), killed by a stolen sports car near her home at Ballyphehane early on Sunday, local TDs urged the Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue, to suspend temporary prison releases for car thieves.
A 26-year-old man arrested near the scene of the crash was on temporary release and he has been returned to Cork prison. A file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions. Gardai are seeking two other people believed to have been in the car. Yesterday they renewed their appeal for witnesses to contact Togher Garda station on 021-962611.
Before the accident, the car had been driven at speed through Cork city centre and pedestrians at South Gate Bridge had to jump out of the way as it mounted the pavement.
Ms Atkins's husband John, who was with her at the time of the accident, was being treated for shock yesterday. She is to be buried after Requiem Mass in Ballyphehane church tomorrow. The Atkins have three children, Jill (17), David (14) and Geoffrey (8).
Cork TDs including Mr Billy Kelleher (FF), Mr Liam Burke (FG) and Mr Batt O'Keeffe (FF) demanded yesterday that all temporary prison releases for convicted car thieves be suspended.
Arguing that studies have shown stealing and racing cars to be an addiction as dangerous as alcoholism and drug abuse, Mr Kelleher said all convicted car thieves should be given mandatory addiction counselling. Mr Burke said emergency action needed to be taken.