Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I, like others, listened with interest to the Minister's speech and I was astounded that he made references of a personal nature against the character of two people, both of whom were Members of this House at the time. The Minister would be better advised to examine the report, be objective about it and recognise the need to act on its recommendations and take them on board rather than using such an occasion to target people who were then Members of this House. There is a serious responsibility on the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to do so at any time in the public interest, in the interests of the Garda Síochána and in the interests and integrity of this House in respect of an attempt by an officeholder to use a report to pass judgment on the methodology used by any Member as to their right to proceed in whatever fashion they see fit.

During my time as Chief Whip I was called upon to examine all the implications regarding these matters. Instead of attempting to have a cheap shot at the Opposition and off-load some of the blame and responsibility, and in fairness to gardaí who discharge their duties with honour and integrity on a nightly basis, the Minister would be better served to protect that integrity by referring to the issues that needed to be referred to, in the way in which they were referred to in the report, and to follow on accordingly.

The Minister did not do so but sought to denigrate the way in which Members went about their business and sit in judgment on it. That is not the duty of the Minister. His duty, as an officeholder, is to be accountable to the House and not to attempt to smear other Members of the House to which he is elected. I was disappointed in the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform because he also has a duty to ensure that the good reputation of the Garda Síochána is upheld and adhered to at every juncture but that any wrongdoing is clearly and unambiguously stamped out. If any time was to be used to address this issue, the Minister should have used it this morning. I was disappointed in the attitude of the Minister, who sought to politicise this matter for his political advantage or for what other purpose I do not know. He brought ignominy on himself and the office he holds by virtue of the cheap shots he attempted and the way in which he did it.

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