Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I listened to the contribution of Deputy Niall Collins who, on every occasion available to him in this House, tries to blacken the good names of public representatives and make allegations about Members. Given that he presents himself as an alternative Minister for Justice and Equality, I propose to point out one or two things to him. Last year, the Deputy wrote to a judge asking that a convicted drug dealer be allowed to go free. Just two weeks ago, he called on the Taoiseach to publish all details, including transcripts, of his evidence to the Fennelly commission. He should know that to do so would be illegal as the Commissions of Investigation Act, which was introduced by the Fianna Fáil Party in government in 2004, specifically prohibits anybody from publishing any evidence given or the contents of any documentation produced by a witness. This prohibition is set out in black and white in section 11(3) of the Act, which also provides, in section 11(5), that a person who publishes such evidence is guilty of an offence. How can anyone treat Deputy Niall Collins seriously when he is not familiar with the legislation his party introduced?

The Taoiseach has been one of the best, most honourable and most decent Taoisigh to have sat in this House. There have been no scandals or whiff of scandal associated with him.

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