Taoiseach defends Shatter over GSOC controversy

The Taoiseach has strongly defended the Minister for Justice in his handling of the controversy surrounding the alleged bugging of the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC).

Enda Kenny said he rejected the assertion that Alan Shatter had deliberately set out to undermine GSOC. "Clearly, this is a matter about which there has been a great deal of confusion over the last period,'' he added.

He said the Minister would go before an Oireachtas committee tomorrow and would have no difficulty in dealing with any questions.

The Taoiseach was replying in the Dáil this afternoon to Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin and Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald.

Mr Martin claimed that the Government, and particularly Mr Shatter, had sought to undermine public confidence in GSOC and had essentially rubbished the allegation relating to alleged surveillance. "And you, Taoiseach, deliberately or otherwise, told an untruth regarding GSOC's reporting obligations under the legislation to the Government, '' he added.

Mr Kenny said he had misquoted the relevant section of the Act and had apologised to the House.

Ms McDonald said the Government had been brought very reluctantly to the position of an independent inquiry into the matter. There were records, she said, that the Minister for Justice was less than forthcoming on the issue in the Dáil.

Mr Kenny said a retired judge would be appointed shortly to investigate controversy and the terms of reference drawn up by the Minister for Justice