Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

The Taoiseach referred to the passport system which I understand is under the remit of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Is the Taoiseach aware of a wider web of intrigue that goes further? He said the Government will be represented by the Minister. Is this the Government's initiative rather than that of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform or is the Taoiseach suggesting that the Minister is responsible for this development?

The Taoiseach used the phrase "at all times", a very loose response to the question as to when he was informed by the Minister about his views and actions. Will the Taoiseach be more specific? When did he first hear about this threat? He has not explained what is the threat. Going around with a false passport, if the allegation made is true, does not represent a threat to bring down the State. When did the Taoiseach first become aware of this precedent which risks hanging out to dry any journalist, Member or other person by a Minister who has turned himself into a one-man star chamber? Can he explain why the information was given to just one journalist? If it was not, is it the case that the journalist was asked to request the information so it might be put into the public domain by the Minister through a journalist?

What will the Taoiseach do with a Minister who tried so recklessly not only to assassinate the character of a former investigative journalist, with whom he might disagree on many issues, but also to undermine the authority of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Garda Síochána and the whole judicial system? How can he stand over a Minister who abuses power so recklessly? Is the real truth not that the Taoiseach is actually quite delighted that the Centre for Public Inquiry has had to fold following his initial meeting with Mr. Chuck Feeney? What was he asking Mr. Feeney to do to prevent the set-up of the centre? Is that not what this matter is about more so than anything else?

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