Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There have just been three Leaders' Questions dealing with revelations that go to the core of public confidence in the credibility of An Garda Síochána and the administration of justice. The House should reflect that. More importantly, the political accountability for the administration of justice lies with the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Fitzgerald. The Oireachtas should be able to ask the Tánaiste questions on this debacle and the crisis of confidence in the integrity of An Garda Síochána and the administration of justice. It defies belief that the Tánaiste would not come forward today to answer questions on this issue, be they private notice questions or another formula, from Members of the House.

The Taoiseach spoke earlier about the need for accountability. Everyone is ad idem on the need for accountability. What signal is the House sending if the person with political accountability for the administration of justice does not come forward to show that accountability? Since this crisis has broken, the Tánaiste has run for cover and has not faced up to the-----

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