Gilmore criticises rejection of inquiries Bill

THE GOVERNMENT was described as “dismissive, arrogant, cavalier with the truth and contemptuous of the Dáil” by Labour leader Eamon Gilmore last night.

He said that all parties nowadays paid lip-service to the notions of accountability, scrutiny and oversight.

“We all say we are in favour of more openness,” he added.

“But the sincerity of our statements are tested when specific proposals for specific reforms are put down on the table. The Fianna Fáil-led Government fails the test every time.”

Mr Gilmore was sharply critical of the Government for failing to accept Labour’s Committee of the Houses of the Oireachtas (Powers of Inquiry) Bill, which was debated on Tuesday night and last night in Private Members’ time. The Bill sought to restore inquiries by Oireachtas committees.

Labour, he said, strongly believed that parliament must be central to the process of accountability, scrutiny and oversight of central government and the wider public administration.

“The decision in the Abbeylara case creates problems, of course,” he added. “But the problems are not insurmountable, despite efforts of the Government to create that impression.”

In 2002, after an inquiry was set up by an Oireachtas subcommittee following the fatal shooting of John Carthy by gardaí in Abbeylara, Co Longford, the Supreme Court ruled that the Oireachtas could not conduct an inquiry that could result in findings of fact and conclusions adverse to the reputation of people who are not members of parliament. Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan said it appeared to be established law that neither House could make a finding of criminal or civil liability against any person, or make findings as to the personal culpability of an individual not a member of the Oireachtas, so as to impugn his or her good name. “Given that that is the position, it is difficult to see how the banking inquiry can proceed other than by way of a commission of inquiry,” he added.

Fianna Fáil’s Seán Ardagh said he believed a referendum would be necessary to give the Oireachtas the appropriate powers.