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

I received the report of the joint committee yesterday and I will examine its recommendations. The Deputy is aware that what she is asking me to do is legally very difficult but she persists in asking the question. She is the very person who would, quite rightly, argue for independent oversight of the Garda Síochána and against politicised policing, and I would agree with her. On the other hand, she wants me, as Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, to intervene in circumstances that are being examined by an independent body. Her position does not make sense.

I have informed her, again and again, that allegations which arrive on my desk are handled appropriately. The Deputy wants me to handle them inappropriately . It would be inappropriate for me to intervene in an independent process. She cannot have it both ways. While she wants me to interfere when it suits her, she would be the first to criticise me if I took inappropriate action that did not suit. I want to ensure that whistleblowers, including within the Garda Síochána, have confidence to come forward, make their complaints and disclose information. I want them to have confidence in the process that is there to support them. I have taken every action to ensure that this is the case.

See this speech in context