Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I do not believe I was making allegations.

A very extensive piece of secondary legislation was produced in 2007, namely, the Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations. The Commissioner is central to these regulations and to any disciplinary process against rank and file members of the Garda, such as Superintendent David Taylor, for example, who finds himself at the centre of the process overseen by the Commissioner. He has been suspended for almost two years. An investigation into the matter was initiated by the Commissioner and conducted by her own husband. The Commissioner is a subject to investigation in this inquiry.

It is very difficult to see how the force is not undermined by the Commissioner's staying in situin respect of the disciplinary aspect of this case while the commission of investigation is under way. I ask without prejudice how the Tánaiste can think it is appropriate to be subject to an inquiry and perform the disciplinary procedure. I encourage the Tánaiste to reconsider encouraging the Commissioner to step aside for the duration of the inquiry.

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