Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome that the House will engage in a short debate on the appointment to the Standards in Public Office Commission, SIPO. Will the Leader outline the Government's view on the comments made yesterday by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, in respect of funding for and the profits of Rehab Lotteries Limited? If the Minister has any concerns, he should find a more appropriate way of dealing with them than making public statements. Most of us would agree, particularly in light of the scandal relating to the Central Remedial Clinic, that the charities sector has been greatly undermined. It is a cause for concern that the Minister for Justice and Equality is jumping in with both big feet in respect of this matter. In my view, he has undermined both Rehab Lotteries Limited and the Rehab Group with his comments. Does the Leader believe it appropriate for the Minister to make such comments or, more seriously, to question validity of the Rehab Group taking a case against the State - which has been ongoing for some time - in respect of compensation relating to the national lottery? I am of the view that the Minister's comments are wholly inappropriate, that he has overstepped the mark and that he is acting outside his powers.

If the Minister of Justice and Equality has concerns about the Rehab Group in the aftermath of the audit, then he should communicate them to the proper authorities. In my opinion, he should keep schtum, so to speak, on this.