Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Of course I will share as far as possible what I can in regard to the question Deputy Burton has asked, but let me make this point. Deputy Burton is incorrect to say that full information is in the public domain. It is not in the public domain. There is some information, based on illegal action. The Deputy is asking me to comment on what has been an illegal act that has produced these partial transcripts. The only person who has the full knowledge of all that was presented in terms of evidence at the commission of investigation is Mr. Justice O'Higgins.

I intend to take the report of the commission with its many recommendations. I intend to ensure the continuation of all of the measures in the programme of reform which the previous Government started. These include the new policing authority, the protected disclosures, the strengthening of GSOC and the increased resources to An Garda Síochána so that it can deal more effectively with the issues raised in the report. In addition there is the ICT investment of €200 million and the improvements to the PULSE system, and any other points made in the report which will lead to the kind of policing service that Deputy Burton says citizens want to see. I agree with Deputy Burton that it should be the key goal of all of us in this House to have a policing service we can be proud of. Clearly, there are deficiencies identified in the report. It is sad and disheartening to see how victims were dealt with. We have a new victims directive. We have legislation coming forward. That is where the focus needs to be.

With regard to the questions about the current controversy about transcripts, of course I will put the maximum information that I can access on the floor of this House and when we have the discussion here next week.

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