Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would really like to see this dealt with expeditiously. The public will want to know why this culture seems to be at play in the Garda, which Mr. Barrett has raised and Deputy MacSharry has raised, with regard to a cover-up. Many witnesses are involved, and whether we bring former Commissioners before the committee will be up to the committee. We must be mindful of Standing Order 186 and we have to look at the public finances above all. We cannot pre-empt any political attacks for political purposes. Obviously, having said that, there are serious issues here that need to be looked at and addressed. If we are going to have credibility in the Garda with regard to internal mechanisms, in my view we need to question the Commissioner further and question any other witnesses whereby we can throw light on this. We cannot have a situation where contradictory statements are being made and there is no clarity about what is happening. I would like this dealt with expeditiously with regard to all of the witnesses brought before the committee. There is also the caveat raised by Deputy Connolly regarding proceeding with caution. We must be very careful of due process in this and ensure it is done correctly.