Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is not an adequate response. I asked what the Taoiseach is going to do about it. Has he spoken to the Minister for Justice and Equality and has he asked him to correct the record? Last week the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, was very forthright and frank in his assessment of the situation. First of all he said that the whistleblowers' contribution to this was "distinguished", which was in sharp contrast to the position of the Minister, Deputy Shatter. The Tánaiste said he should withdraw his remarks yesterday. Other Ministers - Deputies Quinn, Rabbitte, Burton and Coveney - are all in the same vein in terms of what should happen here. What has the Taoiseach done? The only two Ministers who have stood with him in trying to protect the Minister, Deputy Shatter, and uphold the status quo have been Deputies Hogan and Reilly, trusted lieutenants that they are. What the Minister, Deputy Shatter, has done is unacceptable. His position is untenable. One cannot do as he did, coming into this House to undermine the character and reputation of individuals whom other Ministers see as having made a distinguished contribution. There is no getting out this without some straight talking and some straight answers. Did the Taoiseach talk to Deputy Shatter? Did he tell him he should correct the record of the House and particularly the record outside the House as well? What he said on "Six One" was wrong. It was factually incorrect and further compounded what he said in this House. Is the Taoiseach of the view that his position is still tenable? Is he of the view that he does not have to apologise for what he said and that he should not withdraw his remarks made in the House about the whistleblowers?

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