Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I support the motion and thank Deputy Niall Collins for tabling it on behalf of the Fianna Fáil Party. In his opening remarks last evening he covered many of the policy issues of substance.

There is no doubt the Minister will survive tonight’s motion of confidence, the remainder of the Government’s term as a Cabinet Minister and perhaps beyond, unless some revelation emerges. However, we must all reflect on the lessons of recent weeks in particular. In the brief time available I wish to focus on the two issues that have dominated public discourse on the Minister in recent weeks. One is the “Prime Time” debate. During the debate on the public airwaves that night the Minister’s reference to private information, which he collected in the course of very privileged duties, was a serious lapse of judgment. It is very clear that neither the Minister nor his colleagues accepted the seriousness of the issue for a period. It was pretty much a week after the “Prime Time” show when he gave what could only be called a qualified apology to Deputy Wallace. He said: “If Deputy Wallace believes I did him a personal wrong by mentioning it, I have no problem in saying I am sorry.” We all know that is not a real apology.

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