Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Let us be very clear. The Minister has the facts but she has stated that she has chosen not to look at them. That is a very serious issue as there is nothing in legislation preventing the Minister from doing that. She has told the House that testimony of which the dogs on the street have seen part is okay but the Minister, who is responsible for the Garda Commissioner, cannot gain access to it. Not only that but she told us she has referred the matter to GSOC. I presume the Minister believes GSOC will be able to examine material that she cannot examine; otherwise how could we get to the truth of the matter? It is not an insignificant matter.

The Minister has just indicated that the Garda Commissioner has made absolutely clear her commitment to whistleblowers but I dispute that commitment. I know what the Commissioner has said in public and what she does behind closed doors are different. That is what the evidence in the public domain is telling us with regard to Maurice McCabe. I know that to be the case with current whistleblowers. Unless this is answered, there will be a critical crisis of confidence in the service. The Minister cannot hide behind legislation and legal opinion that she has not sought on the matter.

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