Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Despite the fact that people spoke about the compellability issue through a referendum, the Government subsequently introduced legislation to enhance the powers of committees such as the Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality, although it has refused to use it. It is like a dog which does not bark. Those questions should have been asked and answered yesterday. It is not for the Fennelly commission, as that is only kicking the matter to touch.

Serious questions should have been answered by Mr. Purcell. He admitted that he met the then Garda Commissioner, Mr. Callinan, outside of normal office hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and he also indicated that he engaged mainly in telephone calls. I would like him to clarify the events of a telephone call allegedly made by him on the morning after his visit to the home of the then Garda Commissioner Callinan in which he allegedly asked him to reflect on the discussion which took place the night before. That visit occurred as a direct intervention by the Taoiseach and Mr. Purcell was requested by the Taoiseach to visit Garda Commissioner Callinan. What happened at the meeting and what subsequently happened with the telephone call or calls which Mr. Purcell allegedly made the following morning, asking Garda Commissioner Callinan to reflect on his position? Within an hour or two of the alleged calls, the Garda Commissioner had tendered his resignation.

These are the questions which the Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality should have been in a position to put to Mr. Purcell and they are the questions he should have been allowed to answer. It is very disingenuous to suggest the Fennelly commission will look at this matter, and that is a whitewash.