SF to launch motion calling for inquiry into GSOC surveillance claims
Sinn Féin will bring a private members motion to the Dáil next week calling for an independent inquiry into allegations of bugging at the Garda Ombudsman Commission.
It is claimed that a phone in a private office was bugged and that the GSOC WiFi network was compromised.
Last night, the Justice Minister Alan Shatter ruled out an independent inquiry into the matter, and said he would take questions before an Oireachtas committee next week.
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams and Justice Spokesperson Padraig Mac Lochlainn are due to announce a motion this morning which will call on the Government to establish an independent inquiry into the ongoing surveillance controversy at GSOC.
However, last night in an interview with RTE, Alan Shatter once again ruled out any chance of an independent inquiry into the eavesdropping allegations.
The Minister says he is willing to answer questions before TDs at an Oireachtas Committee, but says there are no grounds for an external inquiry.
The interview is likely to increase pressure on the GSOC chief - after the Minister expressed "confidence" in GSOC - but didn't mention Simon O'Brien by name.
The Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan is expected to face questions from the media today over the controversy.
Mr Callinan is due to attend an event at the Garda training college in Templemore, County Tipperary.
GSOC meanwhile is continuing its own investigations into how their suspicions were leaked to the press.
