Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

I agree with the points raised by Deputies Costello and O'Dowd. It appears the documentation released by the Minister for Transport, Deputy Dempsey, leaves no doubt that members of the Garda Síochána misled officials of his Department regarding the granting of a licence to the individual in question. Equally disturbing is the ease with which the officials of the Department of Transport accepted the unsatisfactory answers provided by the Garda and granted the licence.

There is a cover-up in respect of this matter. Information had to be dragged out of the Garda at every turn regarding the man in question. There are inexplicable time lapses on the file relating to this matter and these must be addressed. In addition, a number of issues were not dealt with in the course of the application. Certain aspects of the case stink. We are seeking that answers be provided. We do not want inquiries or the issue to be fudged. The Minister for Transport was asked about this matter on Friday last and has still not made a decision in respect of it. Having regard to the facts already on file, I am of the view there is sufficient evidence to warrant the revocation of this man's licence with immediate effect.

What telephone conversations or meetings took place between members of the Garda Síochána and officials of the Department of Transport? Why was reference not made on the man's file to the serious charges relating to events at Dublin Port? The man in question served a total of seven and a half years in prison in Britain but this did not appear to be relevant. In addition, he passed a good repute test administered by the Department of Transport. The Minister for Transport stated that at no stage in the past had any prosecutions been taken against him in respect of his livelihood as a professional road transport operator. Would Deputy O'Dowd's point regarding the conviction for dangerous driving not be fundamental in that regard? At no stage in the past did the gardaí raise or link in any correspondence issues relating to his good repute as a professional road transport operator. A drug dealer passes a test of good repute? Then the fudge comes, that the constitutional right to earn a livelihood could not be taken away lightly. It has not been taken away at all, the opposite has happened, this man has been facilitated in what he has been proven to do in the international road haulage business having regard to his convictions.

Aspects of this are incredible and explanations must be provided by the Government. Ministerial responsibility must be seen to take effect and the licence must be revoked immediately.

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