Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Fianna Fáil spokesperson requested that a commission of investigation be established. That is what the Government approved at my request. The commission is independent and not subject to pressure from any quarter. The terms of reference are very clear. They were adopted by the Government and voted on and adopted by this House. They include the two matters referred to by me in response to the Deputy's earlier question. This was part of a series of changes in the judicial system, including the establishment of a policy authority to restore trust and confidence in the work of An Garda Síochána and the justice system in general. The Deputy will be aware of those changes. The Deputy will also be aware that I published Mr. Justice Cooke's report in June 2014 and Mr. Guerin's report in May 2014. As in the case of Mr. Justice Cooke and Mr. Guerin, Mr. Justice Fennelly should be allowed to do his work. I take the view that the law is clear that it is an offence to comment in respect of any evidence given before the commission of investigation. As I said earlier, I am satisfied I have complied fully with my responsibilities in terms of my having responded in writing to Mr. Justice Fennelly and having appeared before the commission. Mr. Justice Fennelly should be allowed to finalise his report.

In terms of the requests I received, both of which were in writing and have been published, the first was in respect of a request for an extension of time, which was granted. I can confirm to the Deputy that whenever Mr. Justice Fennelly submits his report, it will be published. The intention is that it will be published. It is a commission of investigation report that will not be a secret or left lying on a shelf.

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