Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The great difficulty with all of this is that rather than deal with this on the basis of the facts, the facts of the background to this matter which I set out at the committee, and the issues of concern and of difference, this is all simply becoming a political football. Most people outside this House would regard it as entirely reasonable that all of these matters in regard to GSOC are considered and reviewed by an independent retired member of the High Court whose integrity is beyond reproach. I expect all parties will co-operate with the work Mr. Justice Cooke will do and that all the papers and documents he requires will be made available to him and that if needs to meet or interview individuals, they will co-operate. If it emerges that is not the case, then we may have to reconsider the matter but I expect that co-operation.

I think it is a proportionate and reasonable response with a view to getting greater clarity on this matter within a shorter period of time than would otherwise be the case in the context of a statutory inquiry and at a good deal less cost than would otherwise be the case. Should something arise out of Mr. Justice Cooke's report that means this matter may need to be revisited differently, so be it. My only interest is that we know the truth of all of these issues surrounding the concerns that arose in regard to GSOC.

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