No confidence motion ‘risks turning Dáil into kangaroo court’

Tánaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has warned motions expressing no confidence in public servants risked turning the Dáil into a “kangaroo court”.

Speaking during a debate on a motion of no-confidence in Garda commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan, Ms Fitzgerald said it was one thing for the Dáil to debate motions of no confidence in people who can defend themselves in the chamber.

“But it would be a major departure if individual public servants, guards, nurses teachers were to have their reputation shredded. Such a process would not even have the status of a kangaroo court.”