Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

With regard to the questions asked by Deputy Ó Caoláin, there is no basis for his contention that the Garda does not do its duty in the matter in question just as in other matters. The Garda, if it is to act lawfully, can only act on reasonable suspicion and cannot act on any other basis. The assurances we have received from a friendly country, namely, the United States, are ones we accept and respect. It is important we do so. We cannot call on the United States to do this, that and the other when it comes to Irish affairs and then suggest it is acting in bad faith on other matters, particularly when we receive clear and unequivocal assurances, assurances that are freely and expeditiously given. There is no empirical evidence whatsoever for the contention. The majority of the people accept such assurances from a friendly country, given the excellent relationship we have enjoyed with the United States. I make no apology for saying that. There are some who seek the support of America when it suits them and who have other things to say when it suits them also, but that is not the approach I take. I accept what is said on its merits, in the spirit in which it is said. In the absence of any evidence to the contrary, one can draw rational and logical conclusions from what is said and we should do so in this case.

On the question of whether Senator Barack Obama will ever visit Ireland, he is welcome to do so at any time. Should he do so, quite apart from the political work he would undertake, if he wished to take the opportunity to call to that part of the country from where his predecessor, Falmouth Kearney, emanated — not someone who is on the books of the Moneygall GAA club — we would be more than happy to facilitate that visit. An unfortunate development in recent times is that while Moneygall is very much part of County Offaly, it will be part of the Tipperary North constituency in the next elections. Hopefully, it will return to its true home as quickly as possible.

See this speech in context