Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister has been criticised by many, but he has answered specifically the questions that were raised. The Government published a detailed report from the Garda on the fixed ticket charge and the penalty points system on Wednesday last. The Government was committed from the outset, when serious allegations were made, that they would be fully investigated and there would be the maximum transparency. These reports have now gone to the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality, which can hold oral hearings if it deems it appropriate. They have also gone to the Garda inspectorate. These matters will continue to be investigated. I have full confidence in this reforming and excellent Minister, who has been in this House on practically every occasion that he has had legislation to deal with.

Senators Bacik and Healy Eames raised the hearings of the Joint Committee on Health and Children. I am not going to get into that debate - as I have stated, we will have the Bill coming before us at a later stage - but I compliment the Chairman and all concerned on the dignified manner in which the hearings were held in this House over the three days.