Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

It is important that we should all be fair to one another in this House. I am aware that Deputies on all sides of the House have taken up this matter. A report arrived to the Department of Justice and Law Reform the night before last. The Government issued a statement yesterday on the report when it was brought to our attention. It is being referred for consideration. We had no prior involvement such as communication with the Departments concerned regarding the assessment report which was done by the Irish Human Rights Commission. The Government, therefore, must be given an opportunity to consider these matters. On the same day, Deputies tabled an Adjournment matter - which is their entitlement - which allows Deputies to continue to articulate their support for whatever case is being made and they then expect the Government to be in a position to give a considered reply, having only received the report. It is not fair to then say the Government's response caused concern. The Government has indicated by way of a press statement - which could not be added to by that evening - its position on this matter. We are having the matter considered by the relevant Departments and the Attorney General so that we can consider the issue. To do anything else would not be responsible.

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