Charleton report and broadband
Senator Lombard and then Senator Humphreys called for a debate and apology in light of the Charleton report, defending Fitzgerald and criticising those who hounded her from office. Humphreys also warned that a collapse in the broadband plan would badly affect rural trade and employment.
We need to discuss in this House the report issued by Mr. Justice Charleton which vindicated the former Minister for Justice and Equality. It is a key issue. We had a good lady, a great Minister and a Tánaiste who was hunted out of office. We need to discuss how it happened, who was involved and what was said at the time. The previous speaker said it all in many ways. There needs to be an apology to Deputy Fitzgerald for what was said to her. Members of this House took a political opportunity to have a crack at a very good Minister and a great Tánaiste. There is an onus on those individuals, the members of the parties who rounded on this Minister and Tánaiste, for political opportunism and nothing else, to come to the Chamber tomorrow and make that statement. She has been totally vilified and now is the time to step forward and-----
Comment on this
I am sorry - vindicated. The judgment by Mr. Justice Charleton is very clear. She was an honest and credible broker who did nothing wrong. We need a clear statement. I look forward to the Fianna Fáil leader clarifying the position and making sure a clear statement is made here. I am disappointed that she did not make that statement this afternoon, but I hope that tomorrow morning the leader of Fianna Fáil in this House will apologise for her party and her party's disgusting behaviour around this event.
Comment on this
On many occasions we have listened to debates in this House about the importance of broadband in rural Ireland. I have deep concerns about what has happened in recent weeks, which caused the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to resign, and the Minister of State, Deputy Breen, organised a dinner. He is the Minister of State with special responsibility for trade. It is going to be very difficult in rural Ireland if the broadband plan collapses – I sincerely hope it does not – for trade, employment, business and the digital single market. That is how important broadband is for rural Ireland. I second Senator Ó Ríordáin's request that the Minister of State come to this House and make a statement. It would be opportune that it be done and that we hear the Minister of State's version of events. It would also be good for us to have that discussion to clear the air. I ask the Leader to facilitate the Minister of State coming to make a statement to this House.