Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak to this important Private Members' motion expressing no confidence in the Minister for Justice and Equality. The motion is not driven by a personal vendetta. While I welcome the apology given by the Minister this evening, it is a pity he did not make it last week as it would have taken the sting out of this debate. The motion is about confidence in the Minister and standards in his important office.

I challenge the assertions made by the Government side on reform and change on the basis of the unprofessional manner in which the Minister has acted. He did not answer all the questions that have arisen and he should accept that his conduct on the "Prime Time" programme was wrong. In recent days, further damaging revelations have emerged and the Minister has serious questions to answer in the House. Fudging them is not an option.

The office of the Minister for Justice and Equality must always be characterised by justice, due process, respect for civil liberties and professionalism. The Minister has failed on many of these fronts. He has trampled on the rights of citizens and the civil liberties of certain Members of the Oireachtas. Many of us have serious concerns about the missing Garda report which would have cleared up any misinformation that may have emerged. The Dáil and citizens deserve a comprehensive explanation in order that we can all return to work and concentrate on other important matters. While the Minister and Government have blamed the media and Opposition for this issue, it was they who dragged out the process. Distraction politics, evasive answers and woolly explanations further fed the story. It is important, therefore, that the Minister quickly comes clean and fully addresses the issue.

See this speech in context