Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I join with those Senators who have extended sympathy to the family of the late Nicky McFadden. She was, as has been stated by many Members, a very gentle lady who was always pleasant and engaging when one met her. I join with my colleague, Senator Paschal Mooney, in extending sympathy to the Haughey family on the tragic death of the late Senator Edward Haughey with whom I served in the House in the 1990s. May the light of heaven shine on both of them.

I call on the Leader to arrange for an early debate on the justice debacle. It is essential and has been the tradition that the Garda Commissioner and the Minister for Justice and Equality work in close collaboration with each other. I am aware from speaking to former Ministers that they share much confidential information, which is given, obviously, on the basis of trust. My comments here on 27 February, 22 May and 28 May 2013 reflect my serious concerns in regard to the politicisation of certain information which went from the Commissioner to the Minister. The Minister saw fit, for whatever reason, to betray that trust on "Prime Time" when he disclosed information he had got in confidence from the Garda Commissioner. It had happened in the past but very infrequently. I felt at the time, because of the nature of the information, and particularly when I learned it came from the Commissioner, that it was a matter of serious consideration for both of their positions. Unfortunately, the Commissioner found he had to resign because of his total dismissal of the importance of whistleblowers and the valuable information they gave, but the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, is also guilty of the same offence and still he is remaining in office. I am surprised, given that Ministers have spoken openly against those comments, that he still continues in office. It reflects badly on the Government and on Ministers in Cabinet, including Labour Party Ministers. I also think, and this is my real concern, that-----