FF Amendments to Howlin Bill a Test of Government Good Faith

Fianna Fáil Public Expenditure and Reform Spokesperson Sean Fleming has called on the Government parties to support his amendments to the Oireachtas Inquiries Bill. The Report Stage of the legislation is being taken in the Dáil this evening and tomorrow.

Deputy Fleming commented, “The debate about the inadequacies of an Oireachtas Inquiry into the banking collapse in this country have been well rehearsed over recent days. It is Fianna Fáil’s view that this type of an inquiry has now been undermined by the partisan attacks led by the Taoiseach. It will not now deliver what the Irish people desire, namely a robust investigation into all the circumstances surrounding the banking crisis with those who are responsible held to account.

“It is also our suspicion that the Government is satisfied to proceed with an inadequate Oireachtas Inquiry because it will allow the issue to be further politicised and manipulated for narrow partisan advantage.

“This evening I will table a number of amendments aimed at improving Minister Brendan Howlin’s Bill. One amendment in particular will allow the Government to demonstrate a commitment to openness and transparency.

“One of my amendments would require that any Oireachtas Banking Inquiry be given access to all documents relating to Government correspondence and discussions about the banking crisis and the policy response. This is particularly important given the Taoiseach’s disingenuous and misleading comments early this week about there being an absence of documents relating to the Bank Guarantee in his department.

“I offer my amendments in good faith and look forward to the Government’s response.”