Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

The Minister stated that, in the context of this investigation, it was more important to have the same number of people consistently engaging in the investigation. Were there retirements before the end of February that might delay the investigation?

I welcome the publication this morning of the heads of the criminal justice (corruption) Bill. They are comprehensive and I hope the Minister will not be tempted or forced into watering them down. He will have my full support.

The Minister has a personal problem regarding the subject matter of my question. In the previous Dáil, particularly in the run-up to the general election, he set himself up as an Eliot Ness figure. He would take office on his big chariot and sort out issues. I will remind him of a question he asked at the time, as his response to Deputy Jonathan O'Brien was similar to one provided for him by the former Minister, Dermot Ahern. The Minister asked: "Does the Minister not understand that when someone who has not paid a fine of €250 ends up in Mountjoy Prison, someone who drives a truck into the gates of Leinster House ends up before the courts within 24 hours and bankers responsible for bringing the State to its knees and costing taxpayers €50 billion have not been brought before the courts it genuinely gives rise to a sense of public outrage, utter confusion and undermines confidence in our legal system?" This question is as true 15 months into his tenure as Minister as it was when he made it from this chair.

The Minister shares my frustration. Like the former Minister, he is also independent. Will he guarantee that there is an awareness within the law offices of the State of the importance of bringing this issue to a conclusion or putting it on a path that will bring it to a conclusion as soon as possible?

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