Dáil debates

Wednesday, 22 October 2014

12:30 pm

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

There had been reports that the Government believes that a legal bid by the former Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, to quash the findings of the Guerin review would not block a new commission of inquiry into Garda malpractice allegations that were made by Sergeant Maurice McCabe. Deputy Shatter went to the High Court in July to have certain findings against him made by Mr. Seán Guerin SC quashed, but the Guerin report called for a commission of inquiry and the Taoiseach announced to the House that there would be a commission of inquiry. So far the commission has not been established. The Taoiseach might indicate when this inquiry will be established and why the undue delay in its regard.

The second item relates to the early years strategy. As far back as January 2012, the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Fitzgerald, when Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, announced that during 2012, the Department would develop Ireland's first national early years strategy - even though it would not have been the first. The announcement was approved by Cabinet in March 2012, the expert group was established in June 2012, the Minister stated she would publish the expert group report in December 2012, and the expert group report was launched in October 2013. It is October 2014. Three years on from when Deputy Fitzgerald announced this key part of the programme for Government - Deputy Troy has been on this case for some time - can the Taoiseach indicate when will we see it?

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