Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the decision by the Cabinet to appoint a barrister to carry out a scoping exercise on the many allegations in the public domain against members of the Garda Síochána. It is essential that this be done as a matter of urgency. I support and agree with much of what was said by Senator Denis O'Donovan. We must have a discussion on the administration of justice in because it is essential that confidence is restored in the Garda Síochána as a matter of urgency. It is essential that there is confidence in the management of the Garda Síochána and that whistleblowers are protected. The public must have confidence that if the Garda Síochána does wrong, a whistleblower has recourse to an avenue to bring it to the attention of the powers that be so that the issue can be addressed as a matter of urgency.

I support Senator Zappone in condemning the appalling legislation enacted in Uganda yesterday. I support the call for the Tánaiste to raise the issue at the UN Human Rights Council.

There has been scaremongering in the media recently in regard to driving licences. Driving licences are now administered by the Road Safety Authority, RSA. Applications that are in order are processed in 12 days or fewer. In the case of applications that are not in order, where the applicant must be contacted, it will take longer. The RSA is on course for a ten-day turnaround by the end of February and a five- to eight-day turnaround by the end of March. I appeal to public representatives not to scare people or transmit misinformation. They should check the facts before they go on national radio and television.