Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

One of the key terms of reference for the Morris tribunal that was established by both Houses of the Oireachtas was to report urgently on matters contained in the terms of reference. Over four months ago the Morris tribunal produced a report and I have repeatedly asked both the Leader and the Acting Leader on the Order of Business when the Government intends to have a debate on the clear conclusions and recommendations set out by Mr. Justice Morris following the publication of his report of four months ago. It is unacceptable that the Oireachtas asks a member of the Judiciary to do a piece of work and we put it in abeyance for four or five months. This House has a responsibility to debate this issue.

I endorse the recommendations published yesterday by the Garda inspectorate and by Senator Maurice Hayes's implementation committee concerning civilianisation of the force and ensuring a more efficient promotions structure in the Garda Síochána. If we take these matters seriously, as we must, we have to debate the Morris tribunal and its report and put in place a system which will ensure the mistakes made in Donegal are not repeated in other parts of the country. I again ask the Acting Leader when the House will debate this matter.