Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge what the Taoiseach and the Chief Whip said earlier in response to questions. I will be happy to engage in any form of debate the Deputies deem appropriate, be it by way of Topical Issue, general statements or time in that regard. I am in the hands of the Business Committee. However, the Government's priority is that the civil actions that have been issued by the former Garda sergeant, Mr. Maurice McCabe, against various interested parties would be settled at the earliest opportunity, having regard to the report of the disclosures tribunal and the comments of Mr. Justice Charleton. I met Mr. McCabe and his wife recently and I apologised again on behalf of the State. I also told him that I fully accept the findings of the tribunal. The next step is to proceed in conjunction with the legal advisers and the Attorney General towards a settlement of the civil actions. I remind Members - if they need reminding - that this is not something that will be discussed on the floor of the House.

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