Ministers must face Dáil over Garda whistle-blower scandal
Ministers must face Dáil over Garda whistle-blower scandal - The Labour Party
- Government has failed to include the debate in the weekly Dáil schedule
Labour whip Duncan Smith TD has condemned Government’s failure to schedule a Dáil debate with Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan and former justice minister Helen McEntee on the serious issues raised by Garda whistle-blowers. Labour sought the debate at the Business Committee yesterday and received support from other opposition parties.
Deputy Smith said:
“Government’s refusal to provide time for this debate is completely unacceptable. The revelations concerning Garda whistle-blowers has caused deep concern across Ireland.
“Labour called for a dedicated debate with both the current Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, and his predecessor, Helen McEntee. Sinn Féin and other opposition parties supported that reasonable request. Despite that clear demand, Government has left the debate off the Dáil schedule.
“Government cannot treat this as a passing controversy and hope that public concern will fade. Both Ministers must come before the Dáil, address the questions raised and provide a clear account of how these matters were handled. Labour is calling for an urgent, dedicated debate with Ministers O’Callaghan and McEntee at the earliest opportunity. The public, the Dáil and the Garda whistle-blowers at the centre of this scandal deserve clear answers.”