Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. It is disappointing he is in the House addressing an issue such as this and the fact that it has come to this point where we have to have a tribunal of inquiry to ascertain the truth of what went on in this long-running sad saga. I feel for all members of the Garda force, including Sergeant McCabe. Untold damage has been done to the morale of the Garda as a result of this. We are fortunate to have such dedicated and hard-working gardaí who protect our country every day. They put on their uniforms going out to work every day but might never return home again to their families. We are deeply indebted to members of the Garda.

I look forward to this tribunal taking place, as I am sure every Member does. I look forward to the truth emerging in all of this and that those who have been proved to have done wrong will be exposed. The people deserve nothing less than that. I sincerely hope this tribunal does not run on for a long time. It might be an unfair question to ask the Minister of State but have we any idea of the timeframe involved? Our history of tribunals leaves a lot to be desired. By the time we get to a point where we know the facts and are in a better position to make an informed decision as to who is right and who is wrong, unfortunately, many years have elapsed. I feel for all the parties involved and all those giving evidence. I do not want this to drag on for years, however. The quicker we get from the start to finish, the better for all concerned in the Garda and other State agencies.

It is difficult for members of the public to ascertain what exactly is going on. The fact it has been allowed to drag on for so long has not helped. There is a big finger of suspicion pointing at two State agencies. We need to get to the bottom of this, iron it out and find out the truth of what actually happened.

I ask all Members and those involved to reserve comment until such time as we know all the facts. When we know all the facts, then we can make an informed decision as to what exactly went on. Until such time as we have that opportunity, I encourage Members to reserve comment.