Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)

A person is only entitled to take a claim for personal injuries if they have sustained an injury. First, there has to be an injury before somebody can bring a claim and then allege the injury was caused as a result of, in this instance let us say, the presence of asbestos. If people have sustained an injury, it will be diagnosed when they go to the doctor and complain about a specific illness. That diagnosis will be of assistance to an individual if they are told they are suffering from asbestos exposure. Most people will look around to see where they have been and what could have exposed them to asbestos.

On a truth and reconciliation meeting with the Commissioner, I have quarterly meetings with him. I meet him regularly. I meet senior management in An Garda Síochána. Prior to my appointment, I was always impressed with the rank and file members of An Garda Síochána and the excellent job they do. Since being appointed as Minister, I have met a lot of senior personnel in An Garda Síochána and I am extremely impressed with them as well in the work they do. The Deputy is perfectly entitled to highlight the issues of concern to him but as Minister for justice and the person who has political responsibility for An Garda Síochána, I have to look at the broader level of work done by the Garda on a daily basis, whether that is the rank and file members of the force out on the streets in the towns, villages and cities of this country or the great work they do in bringing people to justice before the courts. I cannot adopt a myopic approach trying to identify issues which might get some media attention. I have to have a broader assessment of what is in the best interests of An Garda Síochána.

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