Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have three questions, one of which is for the Taoiseach. Obviously, the Taoiseach is not aware of what is in the protected disclosures from Superintendent David Taylor. He stated that there are allegations of criminality. We know that from the terms of reference, but the Taoiseach stated that they were of a sexual abuse nature. Perhaps the Taoiseach should clarify it. Is he aware that is what the protected disclosures included?

How was the Taoiseach able to satisfy the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Katherine Zappone, that the allegations, as she made them to the Taoiseach - that they discussed false allegations of sexual abuse made to Tusla against Sergeant McCabe - would be covered in the terms of reference?

My second question is directed to the Minister, Deputy Zappone. Keith Harrison is a whistleblower who has been in direct communication with the Minister for Justice and Equality for a while. He was also in communication with me at a very early stage, namely, when he was about to blow the whistle and go public. At that time, he mistakenly believed that if his case was raised in the Dáil, he would have protection from the type of victimisation that he has since suffered at the hands not only of the Garda, but also Tusla. Will the Minister do what she rightly did with Sergeant McCabe and meet Keith Harrison before the Cabinet signs off on the terms of reference of the inquiry?

On many occasions over many years, I have asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, her predecessor in the Department and the Taoiseach why the Tribunals of Inquiry Bill 2005 had not been progressed. As every Deputy knows, the tribunals of inquiry legislation dating back to 1921 is flawed as it provides a gravy train for the legal profession. The 2005 Bill imposes a cap on this by providing that people presenting evidence to a tribunal who hire public relations consultants would not be able to recoup their costs for so doing.

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