Details of Garda taping briefings ‘a mystery’ to White

Details on events surrounding briefings given to Minister for Justice Alan Shatter on the Garda taping controversy are still "something of a mystery", according to a Labour Minister.

Moreover, another Labour Minister said there will be difficulties concerning Mr Shatter’s account of events as outlined to the Dáil.

Minister of State at the Department of Health Alex White yesterday told a private meeting of the parliamentary party that the events of March 23rd, were "something of a mystery".

Mr White was referring to the day Mr Shatter was briefed by Taoiseach Enda Kenny on the recordings.

It was also the day Mr Kenny sent secretary general of the Department of Justice Brian Purcell to former Garda commissioner Martin Callinan's home to convey his concerns.

'Gaps in understanding'
Those present at the parliamentary meeting indicated that Mr White said there were gaps in people's understanding of that day.

Minister of State at the Department of Transport Alan Kelly said the account of events given by Mr Shatter on the Garda taping controversy must not change.

“We have backed Shatter on this,” said a source. “The explanation we’ve been given better hold.”

Another deputy commented: “All the cards better be on the table.”

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore also told his TDs and Senators to make sure they claimed credit for the establishment of an independent Garda authority, which he said was a Labour Party policy.

The Oireachtas justice committee has postponed making a decision on whether to call Mr Shatter and Mr Purcell to give evidence.

Callinan resignation
Speaking after a private meeting, committee chairman David Stanton said it was decided to wait until the terms of reference for the commission of investigation into the taping issue were published

. This is expected to happen in the coming week.

Independent Dublin North-Central TD Finian McGrath asked at the meeting that Mr Shatter and Mr Purcell appear, but the committee decided against making a final decision.

Mr Stanton said the committee is also requesting that the commission of investigation examine the substantive issue of taping, how communications in the Department of Justice – such as the letter from former commissioner Martin Callinan – were handled and the circumstances surrounding his resignation.