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

The Tánaiste's answer is astonishing on many levels, not least because nothing I have said attributes any finding or conclusion of guilt to the Commissioner. What I have said and what Mr. Justice O'Neill set out is the rationale for a commission of investigation that is largely, if not exclusively, focused on the actions and activities of the former Garda Commissioner and the current Garda Commissioner.

As a matter of good procedure in the pursuance of protecting everybody's rights, including Sergeant McCabe's and the other whistleblower, it is preferable that the person at the heart of this matter would step aside without prejudice. That is a matter of basic common sense but the Tánaiste resiles from that. That is a very great shame.

Will the Tánaiste confirm for the House, as we know of the allegations of contact between An Garda Síochána up to the very top with the media and politicians, if she is aware of contact between An Garda Síochána and any other State agency in relation to Sergeant Maurice McCabe?

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