WALLACE RESPONDS ANGRILY TO JUSTICE MINISTER’S STATEMENT
The debate in the Dáil is continuing with opposition TDs lambasting the Minister’s comments.
The Justice Minister has denied he misled the Dáil or was misled by the Garda Commissioner when he said whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe had not co-operated with an inquiry into claims of misconduct in the force.
Alan Shatter has broken his silence on the allegations from Fianna Fáil that he failed to act on the claims for two years.
He has rounded on Micheál Martin saying the claims were investigated by former Minister Dermot Ahern as well and that at all stages it was decided the claims should be dismissed.
Minister Shatter says he did everything he could last year to move the issue forward.
And he rejected the charge that he was wrong to claim Sergeant McCabe had not co-operated with the inquiry into his claims.
“Clearly there’s a difference of views and perception between An Garda Siochana and Sergeant McCabe with regard to this issue” he said.
“I explained the basis on which I made my statement and I can take it no further”.
“However I want to make it clear, because of some public comment that has been made, that there is no basis for the suggestion that the Garda Commissioner in any way misled me in relation to this matter”.
“Nor is there any basis for an allegation that I in any way misled the House” hr added.
Independent TD Mick Wallace says the minister needs to resign.
“You look up here at us and you say ‘how dare those people with their long hair and raggy jeans have the audacity to challenge you!” he said.
“Well I’ll tell you something – the people of Wexford that elected me to come in here didn’t elect me to come in here and approve of your behaviour – they put me in here to challenge it”.
“It’s time for you to go Minister – and bring the Commissioner with ya!” he added.
