Mr. Kieran FitzGerald:

If the Deputy does not mind, I will take that question. We did not consult with the Garda Síochána before that. It is not a matter that is necessarily referred to in the protocols or at least covered by the protocols. Certain matters are, but that would not be one that would fall within the protocols as something we would discuss on an inter-agency basis before we would take that kind of action. The only time we would ever consult about something like a press release or a public statement would be on investigations where we have joint jurisdiction and where both agencies might be investigating an incident, and both have legitimate reasons to be involved, and we may need to share certain things and be careful, but this was not one of those.

In terms of what the Deputy calls the exoneration of the Garda Síochána, I would not use the word "exoneration" because it has specific connotations. What we did say was that no such evidence to point to the Garda was disclosed. The Deputy can call that exoneration if he wishes, but it is not the same as categorically ruling in or categorically ruling out. It was definitely included to try to allay public concern because of the danger of people simply adding two and two together and getting five. As the Deputy said, it did not have the desired effect. I tried to explain it publicly yesterday evening again, and we hope that it has been understood at this stage in the proper manner.