Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Darragh O'Brien asked about the betting tax Bill. I will find out what is the exact position. The Bill was initially prepared by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, before being sent on to the Department of Justice and Equality and subsequently to the Department of Finance. I do not know what is the exact position on it.

I know the heads of that Bill have been discussed in the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. I am not sure how far away it is from being published but I will find out for the Senator.

Senator O'Brien welcomed the independent review of the case of Fr. Niall Molloy, as did Senators Kelly and Whelan and others, and complimented the Minister on his intended appointment of a senior counsel to examine this affair. That is to be welcomed and it is to be hoped, as a result of that investigation, that there may not be a need for a public inquiry. Let us wait for the appointment and the report from the eminent senior counsel the Minister intends to appoint.

Senator O'Brien mentioned a debate on policing policy. There is no doubt that a significant amount of money has been invested in the Garda fleet over recent years. Gardaí have welcomed the major investment in the Garda fleet, which was run down in the period during which Fianna Fáil was in government.