Sir, – Recent opinions expressed in the media and in political circles in relation to the leaked recording of the discussions between the Garda confidential recipient and Sgt Maurice McCabe should prompt a public debate on the matter of confidentiality.
It was stated that it was in the public interest to make known the content of “statutorily confidential meetings” between a whistleblower and the confidential recipient. Another opinion expressed was that it would have been remiss of the whistleblower not to take precautions to protect himself by recording the confidential conversation with the confidential recipient.
Based on these opinions the following questions are pertinent, which should be addressed by those holding the above publicly stated views. When might statutory confidentiality be subordinate to the public good? Who decides the public good? What should be the status of Cabinet confidentiality? Where stands the confidentiality between a journalist and a source? – Yours, etc,
MAURICE CURTIN,
Marble Hall Gardens,
Ballinlough Road,
Cork.