Tanaiste says Garda Bill can be amended based on Morris report

Tánaiste Mary Harney said the Garda Síochána Bill could be amended in line with recommendations made in the Morris report on the activities of gardaí in Donegal.

"The Minister for Justice is big enough and courageous enough to bring forward amendments on foot of the recommendations in the Morris report or, indeed, any other recommendations which are brought forward to ensure that where wrongdoing occurs, and where shortcomings are identified, they are appropriately dealt with on an independent and accountable basis."

Ms Harney said that was the reason why Mr McDowell wanted an ombudsman commission for the Garda. "We may argue about how it should happen, but the Minister is open to suggestions in that regard."

She was replying to Labour leader Pat Rabbitte, who noted that Mr Justice Morris had recommended that the provisions of the Garda Síochána Bill needed to be reviewed by the Oireachtas.

"The Taoiseach spent his time on Tuesday trying to persuade the House that Minister for Justice Michael McDowell had taken that into account despite the fact that he had published the Bill a year before Morris reported."

He claimed the Taoiseach had "flim-flammed, ducked, dived and confused people, including some of my learned friends in the media". He asked Ms Harney if she stood over the insult to Mr Justice Morris.

"This is his second report. Her Government would not even agree to a debate on the first report. His major recommendation in this second report is that we review the Bill.

"The distinguished expert the Minister appointed said he has no confidence in it, and the Taoiseach seeks to persuade the House the Minister has taken on board the Morris report.

"Does the Tánaiste also betray the Morris report? If so, why should Mr Justice Morris continue with the third module in this extraordinary inquiry?"

Mr Rabbitte claimed that standards had fallen far in the House when the Tánaiste rowed in behind the mantra the Taoiseach had trotted out.

"She said the Minister is big enough and strong enough. His mouth is big enough anyway, but when it comes to addressing the particular issue he evades it, and the Tánaiste ought to know that."

He added that there was no point talking about an ombudsman commission as it was a contradiction in terms.

"The Minister only includes the ombudsman, which has been a splendid success in Northern Ireland, because of the significance of the term. He is, in fact, setting up a committee."

Ms Harney said she answered on behalf of the Government and not on behalf of a particular party in it. "I answer for the entire Government when I say it is taking on board the recommendations in the Morris tribunal report."

She added that Mr McDowell would outline his proposals for the Garda in a debate on the Morris tribunal tomorrow.