Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

While it may not be a very significant report in the Minister's opinion, I assure him that it is very significant and absolutely mortifying and embarrassing to those who are mentioned in it. I am glad to hear that we have amended procedures in so far as those reports are not being circulated until we get to the bottom of the matter.

I commend the officials and the staff within the Department on the efforts made in respect of the phase 1 negotiations. That is very important. It was a good result and we, as a party, have cautiously welcomed it. However, the real work starts in phase 2. We have to be sure that the reporting of the negotiations we have with our European partners is absolutely watertight. This is a breach that is nearly of strategic national importance, regardless of whether the Minister believes it is significant.

On a question raised by my party leader on 29 November, can the Minister indicate the status of the investigation and where it stands? Are we any closer to finding out who leaked this document or who gave permission for it to be leaked? What specific actions have been taken? Can the Minister give a commitment to the House that this will not occur again?

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