Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Clare Daly has again made serious allegations in the House. If I have not done so before, I say to her now that she has a responsibility to act accordingly in respect of any information which she has or which comes across her desk in respect of the alleged commission of a crime. I trust that she has done so. I want to again emphasise that I have no authority to direct the Garda Commissioner in matters concerning the control or operation and direction of An Garda Síochána, nor can I, as Minister for Justice and Equality or a Member of the House, interfere in any investigation undertaken or being undertaken by the force. This may be difficult for Deputy Clare Daly to accept, but she and others know that they would be very quick to point out to me the flaws in any system which would allow the Minister for Justice and Equality to interfere in any way with the role of the Garda Commissioner or to seek to direct the Garda Commissioner or exercise any undue influence over him or her as to the manner in which he or she might handle a workplace issue or investigation.

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