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

I am equally astounded that the Deputy believes I should access papers belonging to a commission of investigation held in private, with people afforded confidentiality with respect to evidence. I am equally astounded the Deputy believes that should be done despite legislation and the detail of it. Mr. Justice O'Higgins was in a position to hear all the evidence presented to the commission and it was entirely a matter for the commission, having heard all the evidence, to reach its conclusions and deal with whatever matters it considered appropriate in its report.

With regard to how whistleblowing is dealt with inside An Garda Síochána, the Garda Commissioner has made absolutely clear her policy position on the support that the Garda should and is giving to whistleblowers. There is no question of my examining the papers given to me from the commission. As a result of the serious issues that arose and to avoid any lack of confidence or clarity with the issues identified by the O'Higgins commission, I have referred the matter to GSOC. The Deputy knows GSOC is an independent body and it will carry out an independent investigation, deciding on its methodology and how to approach the investigation. I certainly will not assume anything about the rights or wrongs of what happened because I do not have the facts. The O'Higgins commission had the facts and published its report. I have now referred the particular issue relating to Mullingar for independent investigation, which is important.

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