Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Lest there be any misunderstanding, I wish to state that much of the criticism that has been made of the Department of Justice and Equality today and earlier is warranted. I want to ensure that this will not be the case again.

As far as the timelines to which the Deputy referred are concerned, he is broadly correct. In respect of the discovery of the document, there will be an investigation. It will be an independent investigation and it will be completed prior to Christmas. I am not in a position to explain fully to the House the reasons for the delay in discovering these documents. From the discovery of the document to its ultimate transmission to the tribunal there were certain legal issues to be checked, as stated earlier by Deputy O'Callaghan. The advice of the Attorney General was sought, but if there are still outstanding delays within that timeframe, I believe the investigation, which will start at the earliest opportunity, will deal with that in a comprehensive way.

See this speech in context