Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

There was no delay on my part. When I got the interim report from the Garda Commissioner, I suggested, and it was agreed, that the interim report would be sent to the Garda Ombudsman Commission. I did so because it raised serious questions and serious questions were being raised in the media on the issue. As I said, with regard to the granting of a licence, neither I nor the Department had received any communication on the issue. The issue of a "good repute" check was purely a matter between the Department of Transport and the Garda Síochána, as is always the case. I understand the Department of Transport generally seeks the Attorney General's advice on the granting of a licence in circumstances where people have previous convictions. I am not speaking about this specific case, but this is generally the case where people have previous convictions, such as where those with previous convictions apply for taxi licences. There is considerable case law in that area and there have been successful challenges in the courts where the Department of Transport has been obliged to grant a licence, even though people have been convicted of previous offences. I am speaking generally in this regard.

The Deputy has said there is disbelief. There would be disbelief if this House or any politician were to interfere in the independent process that was set up by the House to investigate complaints against gardaí. That is the reason we have the Garda Ombudsman Commission. It is investigating the situation and has upgraded its investigation into a public interest inquiry. It would be very wrong of me, the Deputy or anyone in the House to interfere with that. I will not do that.

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