Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have already seen the report. I am working with my Department to respond to the ICCL in as quick a way as possible. I know that every case is different. I mentioned that in this case the convictions were overturned and there were pardons and financial settlements. There have been apologies in other different cases. Every individual case is different. I do not for a second condone some of the behaviour by particular individuals who cast a very negative light on what is a wonderful Garda force. An Garda Síochána has wonderful people working in it.

Public inquiries often go on for years, cost a huge amount of money, at the end of the day do not produce any more evidence than we already know, and do not allow us to actually change things for the better in any greater way. I am confident that changes which have been made in recent years - even the changes we are making through the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill, which is going through the Houses at the moment - will allow for even greater oversight and ways in which we can ensure these types of practices never happen again. While that is the most important thing here, we must also acknowledge the hurt that was caused and the difficulties which arose for individuals. That has been acknowledged in the outcomes, not just in this case but in other areas which are also ongoing. I will respond to the ICCL as quickly as possible.

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