Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)

The Minister opened his remarks with what can only be described as an abject apology for his foghorn public criticism of judges. I want to open my remarks by referring to a matter I regard as even more serious, namely, the arrest today of a recognised journalist from a reputable newspaper. I understand this arrest arises from an article written in that newspaper last August. Ireland has had a unique relationship with the press and a long tradition of freedom of speech. The arrest of a recognised journalist from a reputable newspaper in the course of his duty is, therefore, a hugely serious matter. This case calls for a statement from the Government. I raised the issue with the Taoiseach in the Dáil this morning but he declined to comment. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, needs to clarify the issues surrounding the arrest. The arrest of a journalist is no ordinary matter, if we believe in freedom of speech and the freedom of the press. However, the case is somewhat unique, thankfully, and requires to be dealt with as such. The Minister needs to clarify what is at issue. He needs to explain to the House and the public how much he was aware of in regard to the matter. He must also tell us whether he had a role in a situation where, apparently, an arrest arose as a result of a matter leaked to the media. I seek the Minister's statement on this, particularly because the Minister himself has a recognised reputation as a leaker to the media. I recall the leaking of confidential Garda documents to a national newspaper about another journalist with whom he disagreed.

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