Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions
Dail Éireann — 2026-09-17
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Helen McEntee (FG), Meath East

I know I sound like I am repeating myself but it is important to say that the Act very clearly states that, under the law, it is not an option to comment on or confirm the existence or details of any specific protected disclosure. What the Deputy is referencing, what was highlighted last night and what was spoken of by individuals clearly suggests that is what is being talked about here. I am not trying to be evasive. I am trying to be very clear. Legislation was enacted that very clearly precludes my commenting on the matter. As for the office itself, I was not aware of how the structure was changing or what individuals were or were not being carried over. That is not something that was brought to my attention because it is a matter for An Garda Síochána. The 2005 Act very clearly sets out the roles and responsibilities of An Garda Síochána. My role as Minister for Justice at that time was to make sure that we strengthened oversight mechanisms where we needed to.
To refer specifically to Fiosrú, individuals made a complaint, the complaint went to the ombudsman that existed then and it then went through a process of criminal investigation that might have come to an inconclusive answer. Those individuals then had to start at the beginning and potentially go through a civil process. It took a long time and nobody was getting answers. The process was protracted and was not working effectively. That is why Fiosrú was introduced. It was to ensure we would have a quicker, more efficient and more effective process. That was my priority and focus as Minister for Justice.
I again stress that, at all times, no matter what was going on, I adhered to and followed the rules, regulations and legalities of the 2014 and 2022 Acts. That was my responsibility as Minister. I took it very seriously and still do. I have always adhered to the rules in that regard.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-09-17/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-28T05:50:48+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-09-17