Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would allay any concern that Members might have. Regarding the point about GRECO, the independence of the PAS needs to be stressed. It is independent from the Government in the performance of its role, function and duties.

I will refer briefly to the issue of the GRECO report, about which we have heard so much in the course of this afternoon's debate. I was pleased to be in a position to facilitate the publication of the report following its approval by the Government last week. I regret that there was some controversy in the Seanad. As explained on the occasion, in the normal course of events, these reports would be published after being approved by the Government. Last week, the Government meeting was on a Thursday. I indicated that, notwithstanding the Government's prerogative to make a decision, my recommendation and subsequent expectation was that the report would be published, and it was. I am pleased that Members had sight of it. However, I acknowledge that some Members had sight of it before it was approved by the Government.