Justice report and legislative response
Deputy Martin criticized the timing of a justice report and asked whether the Taoiseach was satisfied with the lapse and what legislative changes would follow. The Minister for Justice said the report confirmed the need for wider departmental reform, better IT systems and improved management controls.
I agree with Deputy Brendan Howlin that the release of the report on the Department of Justice and Equality by Michael Collins, SC, at 8.50 p.m. last evening could be misinterpreted as a desire to bury the report. I hope I am wrong in that regard. The report and its conclusions are serious. While Mr. Michael Collins says there is no evidence to suggest any deliberate concealment or withholding of material from the tribunal, he concludes, on the other hand, that there was no meaningful explanation provided as to why the initial search for documents did not include email accounts of officials in the policing division or senior officials in the Secretary General's office.
The report raises far more questions than it answers. It illustrates the need for major reform within the Department before credibility can be restored. We should acknowledge that the report highlights the fact that the questions posed by Deputy Kelly at the time in question were very significant in this regard. Over 79 additional documents emerged subsequently.
Comment on this
Is the Taoiseach happy that such a major lapse occurred? What are his proposals legislatively in terms of issues pertaining to the Department of Justice and Equality that have arisen as a result of this report?
Comment on this
I welcome the completion of the investigation and the consequent publication of the report. There are issues of some concern raised in the report. These were issues that form part and parcel of fundamental reforms within the Department of Justice and Equality. It must be seen as part of an overall package to include investment in IT systems and to ensure that management functions are co-ordinated in a way that does not allow for the lapse that did occur.
It is worth remarking, in the context of emails and electronic communication, that we are dealing with a four-year period involving 30 million items of correspondence by email. That is a significant number but I wish to assure the House that every effort is being made on an urgent basis to ensure we have the type of fundamental reform recommended in a number of independent reports. I am happy to keep the House and justice committee fully informed of developments in that area.