Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Before the report of the independent review group was published, the Opposition in this House and people were asking me whether I would implement the recommendations in full. I have not deviated from the recommendation in respect of the oversight group. The criticisms are unfair. They are not reasonable and are very unfair on the Secretary General. To compare it to the situation of the bishop in a diocese is especially unfair and does not bear comparison. I have engaged with the Women of Honour group on this and I do not accept some of the criticisms that have been levelled at the approach being taken by the Department. I am not clear which Department is in question. If it is the view of the Women of Honour that the Department of Defence should have nothing to do with the inquiry, which is a growing or an evolving position, it will create a real capacity issue in terms of who, from an administrative perspective, develops the proposals for a statutory inquiry. We are open to consultation on the draft terms of reference. We have to get movement on this. There is very little point in all of us condemning and being shocked, if we are prepared to prolong the implementation of the most basic of recommendations. Looking at the calibre of the people appointed, I ask anybody to question their calibre or indeed their independence from the Government.

See this speech in context