Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I do not intend to add to what has already been said. On the response the Taoiseach has given to both Deputy Kenny and Deputy Gilmore, and to the latter more particularly on his second line of questioning, would the Taoiseach accept that what has been recorded publicly and referred to seems in direct contradiction to what he states is the most up-to-date position? Surely at the very least if, as Deputy Gilmore indicates, there is a concern about progressing convictions and moving towards successful convictions as a result of the impact of the proposed 3% reduction in the budget for the Chief State Solicitor's office and the role of the DPP, would the Taoiseach undertake to the House to establish factually what is the position and report back to us? Surely that is a formula that will get us out of this exchange, which will not achieve anything. The facts should inform the decision and if they do, as Deputy Gilmore claims and refers to in terms of the words of Mr. Hamilton himself, then a problem exists and needs to be addressed. Would the Taoiseach accept that there is a need to establish factually the situation and act responsibly as a result?

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