Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A Chathaoirligh, I agree with your comments and those of the Leader and Senators MacSharry, Bacik and O'Donovan about our late colleague, Nicky McFadden, who was a brave person of magnificent courage. Please God there will be an occasion shortly to pay tribute to her more formally. I also agree with the suggestion of the Leader of the House and the Leader of the Opposition that the House not sit tomorrow as a mark of respect and tribute to her while her funeral is taking place.

In respect of Senator MacSharry's proposed amendment to the Order of Business, I think Fianna Fáil, given its own history and everything that has happened in this State, should exercise more caution and less haste in levelling criticism in advance. No one is happy with the situation, but we must know before acting, and we know people did not know until very recently. Our duty first of all is to hear the Minster himself, and that is happening today in the other House. I suggest that the Leader should allow for a full debate on this issue next week in this House during which we can digest what has been said by the Minister and others in the Dáil today. We know a committee of investigation has been agreed. We know an independent policing authority is being set up, which is something both parties in the Government subscribed to as far back as the Mullingar accord in 2006. We also know Mr. Justice Cooke and Mr. Seán Guerin SC will be reporting on related matters in the very near future. These can be considered as well.

We all have the utmost respect for the institution of An Garda Síochána, and as has been pointed out by members of the Opposition, gardaí are hurting right now. Many of them are disgusted at what has happened, because they did not know this recording was so widespread throughout the State. Let us pause sharply, but not for long, and we can have the full debate next week.