Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

That reply entirely distorts what is happening. One amendment is being brought forward to require gardaí to answer for their actions while on duty. It is beyond belief that one must legislate for this. This is not the issue. Mr. Justice Morris studied and assessed the Bill and concluded that the Bill, not a single paltry routine amendment that should not be necessary in the first place, but the Bill itself should be reviewed. The Taoiseach appears to be covering up by stating that an inspectorate and an ombudsman system are being introduced. Nothing of the kind is being done. The word "ombudsman" has been attached to this commission or committee that will deal with these issues. Specifically, on the matter of what Mr. Justice Morris calls legitimate complaints against the gardaí, he has recommended a review of the Bill and the Taoiseach is avoiding that issue. He is also avoiding the issue about the dispute between himself and the Minister following the publication of the Morris report. The Taoiseach did not answer the question. When two senior gardaí were removed on full pension — one must ask the most serious questions about the discipline being imposed for the most heinous negligence on duty, and worse — was any garda officer senior to that pair asked to resign?

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