Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is evident from the Taoiseach's stance that he has been brought to the position of commissioning an independent inquiry very reluctantly. It is also a matter of fact that we have clear cut information on the matter and it is on the record that the Minister was less than forthcoming in his account to the Dáil. His account of matters did not tally with the document he received from GSOC. I ask the Taoiseach his response to that matter and what he intends to do about it.

We need clarity on the proposed inquiry. All we know thus far is that it will involve the appointment of a retired High Court judge. Will the Taoiseach provide the Dáil with the full terms of reference for this inquiry? Why is the Minister for Justice and Equality setting the terms of reference? He has hardly covered himself in glory throughout this episode. What powers will the judge have and how much access will he or she be given to the systems and documents of An Garda Síochána? Will he or she be able to draw on a panel of experts who can read, understand and interpret technical data and matters relating to surveillance? This cannot be confined to the appointment of a judge to review documents. That is not sufficient. We need a thoroughgoing investigation that is fully equipped with the necessary expertise and powers to compel witnesses and papers so that the investigators can make balanced judgments and findings of fact. Why is the judge being asked to report to the Minister for Justice and Equality? Given that GSOC is accountable in the first instance to the Oireachtas, is it not more appropriate that the judge, following a full inquiry such as I have outlined, would report to these Houses?

See this speech in context