Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I echo the words about the Garda sergeant who was injured this morning. We have been quick enough to criticise gardaí at times but we should also take the opportunity to recognise someone who takes risks for us, for democracy and for the law. It is vital that we support and acknowledge the great bravery of people in those situations.

The issue being discussed in the media and elsewhere today is one where we are inclined to rush to judgment while we all seek further information. We have tried to deal with this situation over the past ten years on a legislative basis. There is legislation in place to deal with tax law and ethics which is difficult legislation with which to deal. Those of us who have dealt with ethics in committees of this House know this is the case.

I will suspend judgment until such time as I get a clear indication on the question of Revenue law and ethics legislation. I would like to hear from the Revenue Commissioners and the ethics commission. Once these matters have been clarified we will know where we stand. If the bar of what is politically correct needs to be raised, as regards the conduct of taoisigh or Ministers, we will have to address that matter also. There has been much discussion but the fundamental facts boil down to whether the law of the land has been broken. If so, that brings us to a clear conclusion. If it has not been broken — I do not know whether it has or not — then we must park the issue. That is the way to proceed.

I agree with Senator Brian Hayes that there are issues hanging there about which I would like to hear more before we all rush to judgment. I would like to have full knowledge before drawing a conclusion and then we can decide how much further we need to go.

On a similar matter, as it concerns large amounts of money, we should congratulate the new Tánaiste and wish him the best in his new role. On the question of money, the House should indicate how pleased it is that the Government no longer needs an extra €3 billion in annual tax revenues.