Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I apologise. I was not aware an appointment had been made. We have an important responsibility in how we do our work. The judgment in the Angela Kerins case last week, as I already pointed out in this Chamber, gives us additional powers, and rightly so. However, as the Supreme Court ruling indicated, this is not a jurisdictional Chamber. In this instance, we are right and it is absolutely valid to set up a mechanism of investigation. We must have somebody to guard the guardians and, in this case, that role falls to us. We must carry out that function in a thorough and sensitive manner. I am glad we are not rushing into it and are giving it at least an additional week.

I look forward to hearing from the Minister if there are other mechanisms she is considering, which amendments she will accept and how the terms of reference might be changed. I would appreciate if she would communicate to other parties and leaders as to how that will be done. If possible, we should have clarity around the mechanisms of investigation when it comes to the issue of access to digital and telephone records. If we are saying we want Mr. Justice Charleton to examine the records of all the journalists involved and potentially Members of this or the previous Dáil, we must ensure it is done right within the context of a proper judicial process. I look forward to hearing from other Members as to how they see that happening in the course of the commission's work.

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