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Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Leaking investigations

Summary

Peadar Tóibín questioned the lack of outcomes from internal investigations into leaks in the Taoiseach's Department and asked whether one related to the Tánaiste's confidential GP document. The Taoiseach said one review had no outcome yet and that he hoped it would be concluded in due course.

In the Taoiseach's term of office, there have been a number of internal investigations in his Department into leaking to the media. One related to the report on mother and baby homes. It was alleged by some that it might have been the Taoiseach himself who leaked that document.

It is nearly two years since the start of that investigation and there is still no result. Will there ever be a result in that? There is another investigation; we do not know exactly what it is about. Is it the investigation into the leaking by the Tánaiste of the confidential GP document? What is it about and when will we see the results of that investigation?

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Deputy Daly asked about the arms crisis and Captain Kelly. I knew Captain Kelly and I met him on a number of occasions. In the next while, it will not be possible to do as the Deputy suggests, but I will have the issues raised looked at and reviewed. I understand the family have communicated to a number of Deputies on that.

Deputy Boyd Barrett asked about Jacqueline. I do not know the background of the case, but I believe the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, has met the Deputy in respect of the family, or to discuss the case. The eviction notice does-----

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I know but I have not seen the letter. The Minister has met him. The Deputy said it will come to court in February. The eviction ban is in place until the end of March. I do not know the circumstances as to why it is in court, why the eviction has been sought or what the background to it is. I know that the Minister will keep briefed on it.

Deputy Whitmore asked about gritting. I am assured by the Minister that footpaths generally can be gritted. The local authorities have been given instructions on active travel. We can look at that with the local authorities. It is an important point in terms of the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

In response to Deputy McNamara, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine has met with the groups in the Burren. I met them in passing as well. There are issues with the expansion of the scheme and the levels of funding, but he is currently reflecting on this. I take the Deputy's point that if we can do it within the existing framework and facilitate those farmers who were pioneers and leaders, then we should do that.

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Fianna Fáil councillors on the ground are blaming the Minister of State, Deputy Noonan.

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We cannot have a conversation. I ask the Taoiseach to respond to the next question please.

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That is a handy fallback position-----

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It would be a handy fallback.

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-----but it is very unfair on the Minister of State, Deputy Noonan, who has been a strong advocate for biodiversity generally.

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Will the Taoiseach come back to the next question, please?

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In response to Deputy Tóibín, there has been no outcome to that yet. I hope we will see that in due course.

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