Michael McNamara (Clare, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Much good has come from the unfortunate events of recent weeks. Whistleblowers have acquired a new status and respect, largely as a result of the report of the Garda Inspectorate commissioned by the Minister. A commission of inquiry into Garda telephone recording led by Mr. Justice Nial Fennelly of the Supreme Court will shed light on recordings dating back to the 1980s, including when they started, when they took place and on whose instruction and with whose acquiescence they were made.

The Cooke inquiry will inform us on reports of Garda surveillance at GSOC. It has been a rocky road to reform but the system is being reformed. Most important, the Department of Justice and Equality and this Government have shown that unlike previous Governments they can respond to difficult circumstances and crises. That is an important departure. The Department of Justice and Equality, led by the Minister, Deputy Shatter, is responding in a quick and decisive manner to legacy issues dating back a long time. For this reason, I have complete confidence in the Minister.

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