Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)

Legal ambiguity protects the powerful. Clarity and accountability protect the Republic. I will put the questions to the Minister again because he has not answered them. Is the Government satisfied that the legal advice given to Ministers on protected disclosures is accurate, lawful and compliant with both the EU Act and the Act in the Republic? Does the Minister stand over the statement, made by the Taoiseach on 12 November in this House on receiving protected disclosures under section 8, that Ministers cannot even read them? Will the Government commission an independent review of legal advice provided to Ministers in cases involving corruption, criminal conduct and the misuse of public funds? Will the Minister confirm whether the conduct of the Chief State Solicitor's office, in presenting a position that has now been proved false, will be thoroughly and fully investigated?

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