Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The law is designed to do many things, including, as the Tánaiste outlined, protecting whistleblowers and others. What it is not designed to provide is a get-out clause for her not to answer perfectly reasonable and legal questions that have been put to her. I asked whether there are other allegations on her desk. A simple "Yes" or "No" will suffice. I asked her if it is true that a whistleblower wrote to her four times setting out their experiences and inquired as to what she did about it. None of that is precluded under the whistleblower legislation. I have put it to the Tánaiste - this is a matter that has been widely reported - that the two whistleblowers who made the latest series of allegations have stated clearly that they will not co-operate with any process unless the Commissioner stands aside. The Tánaiste has stated her confidence in the Commissioner but the whistleblowers clearly do not have any confidence in her. I ask the Tánaiste again how she proposes to move the process forward. When will the judge be appointed? Will the Commissioner stand aside? Has the Tánaiste entertained that idea? Crucially, what is on her desk? How did she respond to the individual who has written to her four times during her term as Minister for Justice and Equality?

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