Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality for coming in today, reading her statement and bringing Members up to date. I think it is a measure of the esteem in which she holds the Seanad. I appreciate her coming in and taking the time today. It is a time for measured response. We have heard a lot of criticism about the use and abuse of privilege in both Houses of the Oireachtas. This is not the time for that.Everyone is entitled to justice. These are allegations. There is no prima facieevidence against anyone here. Everyone is entitled to due process and fair play. Setting up a commission of investigation headed by a judge is the right thing to do. As parliamentarians, we are also entitled to fairness and due process, as is everyone in this State. That is guaranteed by the Constitution.

I note that when the Taoiseach was interview by RTE in Warsaw this afternoon, he reiterated that he and the Government had full confidence in the Garda Commissioner. This is to be expected and is reasonable and fair. He went to say that these are mere allegations. I think Mr. Justice Iarfhlaith O'Neill could not-----