Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

The Minister read from a document which he stated was from the Garda Commissioner. Is there any basis on which that document could be made available to the Opposition spokespersons or laid in the Library? We do not operate a privy council system but if there is information contained in that document it may be influential in the debate. Earlier, the Minister stated he proceeded in a certain way following a discussion with the unfortunate Roy Collins's father and he has now referred to a submission from the Garda Commissioner. When the Garda Síochána (Powers of Surveillance) Bill was published the Garda did not want it and the Minister's predecessor, Deputy Brian Lenihan, stated it would only serve to alert criminals to Garda investigative techniques. Why have the views at the top of the Garda changed?

See this speech in context