Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Let me be very clear from the start that we in the Independent Alliance have always supported Sergeant Maurice McCabe, his family and all of the whistleblowers. What happened to Maurice and his family was appalling, chilling and sordid. The vile stories against him were absolutely disgraceful. I commend his determination to uphold the law and expose wrongdoing. He has raised serious questions about the integrity and competence of some senior gardaí. We all need to get to the truth in a fair and balanced manner, and that is why we need a public tribunal of inquiry and why the Independent Alliance is staying in government.

We will introduce the change and reform that is urgently needed. This is not the time for an election. Everyone wants decisive action, truth and justice. We are all at one in our belief that government is not about having power. Rather, it is about using power to effect the kind of change, opportunity and compassion we need and desire in our society.

The Independent Alliance welcomes in principle the decision of the Government to establish an independent tribunal of inquiry into the Maurice McCabe controversy. Sergeant McCabe's good reputation is paramount and must be vindicated as swiftly and effectively as possible. We kept our counsel on this issue until now. We have had the opportunity to speak with the McCabe family and are in full agreement with them that an independent public tribunal is needed to establish the full facts of the matter.

We are particularly disturbed by the revelations which have emerged concerning the State agency, Tusla. The welfare and protection of our children is dependent on public confidence in our child care agencies. Should facts emerge suggesting criminal activity, a full criminal investigation should immediately follow.

We have been dismayed and, frankly, disturbed by the contradictory versions of events which have emerged this week. This is not how we wish to do business. We went into government in good faith to implement the commitments we secured in the programme for Government after protracted negotiations.

We in the Independent Alliance have, therefore, secured a commitment from the Minister for Justice and Equality to appoint without delay an independent international policing expert to carry out a thorough investigation into wider and more fundamental issues of public concern which have emerged regarding the administration, ethos and culture of An Garda Síochána. Finally, should facts emerge suggesting criminal activity by any member of An Garda Síochána a full criminal investigation should immediately follow.

See this speech in context