Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As Deputy Adams well knows, the Committee of Public Accounts is removed from the influence of the Oireachtas. I am not aware of the papers he to which he refers being given to that committee. They have certainly not come into my possession, nor should they if they were given directly to the Chairman or a member of the Committee of Public Accounts. I have confidence in the Garda Commissioner to do her job. This morning, the Cabinet approved the nomination of Kathleen O'Toole, the chief of police in Seattle, to chair the review body dealing with An Garda Síochána. She is an outstanding person of great experience in both legal and policing terms and has a deep understanding of the situation that applies here in Ireland. I expect that nomination to be ratified by Cabinet next week. In addition, the Cabinet also approved the terms of reference for the investigation into Project Eagle this morning, a matter which has been raised by Members on a number of occasions. Following receipt of further observations from the Fianna Fáil Party and from Deputy Wallace, I took those observations into account and had approval given for the terms of reference for that investigation. These actions are being taken by Government in respect of matters of public concern.

I expect Garda Commissioner O'Sullivan to do her job. She is expected to appear again before the Committee of Public Accounts. I understand that she is to go back for further discussion with the committee later this month or next month. I am not quite sure of the date.

I referred previously to the sad, unfortunate and tragic death of Tony Golden. I told Deputy Adams that there are two parallel investigations ongoing in respect of that murder. All of the evidence that Deputy Adams gave to me and to the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality has been transferred to those dealing with the matter. Obviously, it is important that the investigations into this sad and tragic case are allowed to be followed through on and that they take the information that the Deputy supplied into account. As to whether that information can stand up, it is not for me to comment on its veracity. I am sure the Deputy would not have given it to me without a good reason to do so.

See this speech in context