Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

My party does not want a running commentary. We want political responsibility in respect of this matter. I asked the Tánaiste a straightforward question. It concerned the legal obligation of the Commissioner under section 41 of the Garda Síochána Act. Is the Tánaiste satisfied that she was notified in adequate time about these significant issues of public concern affecting confidence in An Garda Síochána?

That is the question I asked and I would like the Tánaiste to answer it. Our concern on this side of the House is that it appears to be the case that the Government is allowing the Garda to drift from one scandal to another - the scandals are simply being identified, with no one accepting political responsibility for them. More important than accepting political responsibility, someone in Government must come forward with a plan as to how we will rectify the position regarding public confidence in An Garda Síochána. The force has done too much for this State for us to abandon it politically by saying we cannot come up with a solution. The Tánaiste and the Cabinet have that responsibility, so I ask her again: is she satisfied with the notification she received under section 41, or does she think it was delayed?

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