Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Did the Taoiseach at any time discuss these matters with Deputy Alan Shatter? I acknowledge that he eventually published the correspondence, but he did not come forward in a straight and clear way to tell the Dáil what he knew about the contacts between his office and Deputy Alan Shatter. We are entitled to this information. The correspondence raises further questions. A letter to Deputy Alan Shatter which was sent on behalf of the Taoiseach on 21 November included a copy of the draft order with the terms of reference for the commission of investigation. This was done before the draft order was presented to the Houses of the Oireachtas. Is this normal? Is it appropriate that a Fine Gael backbencher who played a central role in the issues under investigation should be given the draft terms of reference which, as it transpired, the Dáil was subsequently unable to debate? Another letter to Deputy Alan Shatter, dated 17 December, stated Mr. Justice Kevin O'Higgins would be the sole member of the commission of investigation. Once again, this information was provided for Deputy Alan Shatter before it was presented to the Dáil or made public. Is this normal practice? Does it not offer confirmation of the dismissive and disdainful approach the Taoiseach and his Government take to the Dáil?

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