Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Allegations were made by a whistleblower in September 2012 in respect of the operation of the fixed charge processing of penalty points. This matter has been the subject of very lengthy discussions in this House and in committee. There has been an internal Garda report and the O'Mahony report, both of which were referred to the Garda Síochána Inspectorate by the Minister for Justice and Equality which was the right and proper action. That Garda Síochána Inspectorate report is an overview of the two reports and the entire process. I have not seen the report but I understand it contains a lengthy series of recommendations and the report will be presented to Cabinet this afternoon by the Minister for Justice and Equality. I understand it contains a lengthy series of recommendations which the Minister accepts and he will recommend their implementation to Cabinet. Some of these will require some legislative and resourcing initiatives. The Garda Síochána Inspectorate report and the overall review being carried out by GSOC will mean that this matter will have had intensive and very focused scrutiny about how it should operate. I agree with Deputy Martin that the Garda whistleblower was engaged in conversation and discussions with the Garda Síochána Inspectorate about this matter and this has probably helped the Garda Síochána Inspectorate to provide a full and comprehensive analysis. The difference of opinion between the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Garda whistleblower was in regard to the matter of a claim that deaths resulted from the non-imposition of penalty points. That matter was referred to quite clearly in the report published by Assistant Commissioner O'Mahony.

The Minister will publish this report today and it will be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas. This House can discuss the report as can the joint committee. This will be in advance of the GSOC report which will be published and debated in this House. The dysfunctional aspects which have come to light will be the subject of serious focus in order to put it right and make it fit for 21st century systems.

In so far as apologies are concerned, I have already said that the Minister for Justice and Equality had one interpretation while Sergeant McCabe had a different interpretation. That matter was the subject of intense discussion in the House. The Minister for Justice and Equality will be responding to the report when the House orders time for its discussion.

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