In the third interim report of the disclosures tribunal, Mr. Justice Peter Charleton states Sergeant Maurice McCabe was "repulsively denigrated" for being no more than a good citizen and police officer. In those circumstances, the people are rightly angry and frustrated by the idea that the people's money would be used to fund former Commissioner Callinan's legal defence.

When this matter was raised, I asked if the Minister for Justice and Equality would come to the House for a discussion on it because there are legal difficulties involved. It is important that people are indemnified. Otherwise, the victim would get no money. There are many issues on which we need clarification. Will the Minister for Justice and Equality facilitate some type of interaction whereby we can ask questions and have clarity on this? It is a matter of great public concern.

I acknowledge what the Taoiseach and the Chief Whip said earlier in response to questions. I will be happy to engage in any form of debate the Deputies deem appropriate, be it by way of Topical Issue, general statements or time in that regard. I am in the hands of the Business Committee. However, the Government's priority is that the civil actions that have been issued by the former Garda sergeant, Mr. Maurice McCabe, against various interested parties would be settled at the earliest opportunity, having regard to the report of the disclosures tribunal and the comments of Mr. Justice Charleton. I met Mr. McCabe and his wife recently and I apologised again on behalf of the State. I also told him that I fully accept the findings of the tribunal. The next step is to proceed in conjunction with the legal advisers and the Attorney General towards a settlement of the civil actions. I remind Members - if they need reminding - that this is not something that will be discussed on the floor of the House.