Taoiseach and Fennelly inquiry
Senators debate whether the Taoiseach should address the circumstances surrounding the former Garda Commissioner’s resignation while the Fennelly inquiry continues; the Leader rejects suggestions of improper contact or concealment.
I second Senator Darragh O'Brien's amendment to the Order of Business.
I welcome the swift reaction by the Government to the decision of the Court of Appeal today that certain sections of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 are illegal. I also note that this decision does not affect the supply, sale or possession of so-called hard drugs such as cocaine, heroin or cannabis. However, it affects the sale of certain psychoactive drugs which were sold in the so-called head shops located throughout the country.
As a result of a huge effort by Members on both sides of the last Seanad, these drugs were included in the legislation. It is very welcome that the Government has acted swiftly. The Dáil is to sit late tonight and we will deal with the legislation tomorrow. It is important that we do not return to a situation where every small town and village in the country not only will have to deal with the so-called threat of the hard drug pushers but also retail outlets supplying very dangerous psychoactive drugs to young people. I again commend the Government for its swift reaction to the decision today by the Court of Appeal.
Comment on this
I am very surprised by Senator Darragh O'Brien's call for the Taoiseach to come to the House today to discuss this matter which is the subject of an inquiry. He knows that the Taoiseach cannot speak outside the inquiry.
Comment on this
With respect, if the Senator were to call on anybody to talk about this matter, I suggest it would be the good judge, but we cannot do this as we do not have the power.
Comment on this
The Taoiseach should come here and answer.
Comment on this
This arose from a letter the judge wrote, solely at his own discretion, to the Taoiseach as the sponsoring Minister saying that because of the Bailey case, its length and other matters concerning the Garda that were ongoing within the case, he needed more time.
Comment on this
We cannot know what is in the judge's mind. It is outrageous to suggest there is some contact between the Taoiseach and the good judge. That is impossible to countenance as we all know that we cannot interfere. Out of respect for the Leader of the Opposition, if it were somebody else, I would say this amounted to play acting and was totally out of order.