Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The ultimate issue is confidence in An Garda Síochána. If as Members of the Oireachtas we are to be true to our word we must allow Mr. Justice Cooke and the senior counsel appointed to examine these two issues the space to do so. The Taoiseach made it clear the other day that if a commission of investigation is required one will be established.

I would like to put a number of questions to the Minister, Deputy Shatter, at this point because I must attend a committee meeting on this issue and I will not get an opportunity to ask him later. The Minister said in his statement to the House this morning that the matter had been brought to the attention of the then Minister for Justice. Did the then Minister bring a memo on the matter brought before Cabinet and were other members of the Cabinet aware of the matter? What action was taken in that regard and was the Department satisfied that the action taken by then Minister was adequate? It is worth pointing out that despite the cynical attempts to smear the current Minister, all of the issues we are now discussing are of a time when the Minister, Deputy Shatter, was the Opposition spokesperson on justice calling for the introduction of these powers.

The Minister, Deputy Shatter, has been accused of trying to ensure that GSOC and independent oversight of the Garda Síochána is limited. If members of the Opposition care to check the record relating to his time as Opposition spokesperson, they will find that the contrary is the case.

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