Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

I want him to answer the questions that I posed, but I want to engage constructively in this debate, as I have done from this side of the House. I did not drag up his failings on these matters, which are many and varied, because I want to build a transparent and accountable future for policing. That is the desire of the vast bulk of citizens in this State, as well as the bulk of decent, honourable, hard working members of the Garda Síochána who are dedicated to serving the State. They deserve better than a self-serving Minister whose ego is so fragile that he cannot bear a moment's criticism in this House.

When this debate began, we dragged a reluctant Government to accept the establishment of the Morris tribunal. It was voted down by one vote the first time it was put before the House, when the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform quoted the advice of then Attorney General. We now need to measure up to the requirements of the Morris and Barr reports and all the other reports before us, to ensure that we have a first class police service worthy of the people of Ireland. All of us, whether in government or in opposition, have to play our part as best we can. The people of Ireland demand and require nothing less.

See this speech in context