Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have two issues to raise with the Minister. The first relates to the Garda Commissioner's recent appearance before the Committee of Public Accounts, where he described the actions of the two whistleblowers, Sergeant McCabe and former Garda John Wilson, as "disgusting". What is the Minister's view of that comment? Does he agree with it? If not, is he prepared to take this opportunity to disassociate himself from that assessment of the two gardaí? Does he accept that this kind of comment only serves to silence people who have the courage to speak up about things that are wrong and is entirely unhelpful if we are trying to create an atmosphere where whistleblowers feel they can come forward?

The second issue relates to the Minister's appearance on "Prime Time" where he disclosed confidential information in regard to Deputy Mick Wallace which seems to have been based on tittle-tattle. In hindsight, does the Minister regret doing that and, if so, is he prepared to take this opportunity to apologise to the Deputy?

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