Gilmore: Bugging unacceptable, but snap public inquiry not the answer
The Tánaiste has said that any incidents of bugging or spying on a public body are unacceptable, but said an immediate inquiry in alleged bugging at the office of the Garda Ombudsman was not the solution.
Justice Minister Alan Shatter will brief the Cabinet this morning after meeting with the Commissioners from the Garda Ombudsman’s office yesterday.
Last night the Garda Commissioner called on GSOC to clarify its statement on the controversy, in which it said it found no evidence of Garda misconduct.
Opposition parties have called for an independent inquiry into the matter.
However, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said it was too soon for an inquiry.
"I don’t think that as soon as there is a story on anything, I don’t think the answer within 24 hours is a public inquiry," he said.
"Let's get some clarity on what happened, let's assess it in a calm way and let's deal with it."
Reporter John Mooney broke the story in the Sunday Times at the weekend.
He said: "Our Garda Ombudsman was subjected to a surveillance attack…It's an awful thing to say about a modern European country, but it is quite evident now that the Irish Government is almost holding (the office) responsible for what happened to them."
