Investigation will be held if required - Kenny

A commission of investigation to examine alleged misconduct and negligence by gardaí will be set up if recommended by the barrister appointed to examine the issue, Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said.

He told the Dáil today that Sean Guerin SC, an experienced and respected criminal lawyer, would conduct an assessment of the various issues and allegations raised by Sgt Maurice McCabe since 2008.

"The terms of reference for this work are currently being finalised,'' Mr Kenny added.

He said he hoped Mr Guerin's report would be completed before the Easter recess, when it would be laid before the Oireachtas and published. "I believe it is the prudent way to proceed in view of all the comments and allegations and documents surrounding these matters, '' he added.

Mr Kenny said that all of tomorrow’s Dáil business would be set aside for statements on the Garda controversy, except for Opposition leaders’ questions.

He added that Minister for Justice Alan Shatter would answer questions at the conclusion of the debate.

The Taoiseach also said the Cabinet had approved an amendment to legislation before the House protecting whistleblowers to enable serving gardai to bring complaints directly to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC).

Pending the enactment of the legislation, an interim confidential recipient would be appointed to receive complaints from serving gardaí.

The Taoiseach said the Government would bring forward proposals for the reform of the current Garda oversight and complaints system by the summer.

Mr Kenny said public confidence in the Garda Síochána and its oversight was something that was rightly of great importance to the Dáil and its members.

“In recent weeks, a number of events have served to weaken and undermine that confidence,’’ he added.

“I am determined that public confidence in these fundamental institutions be maintained and rebuilt and the best way of achieving that is to establish the truth in all of these matters.’’

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said the material to be assessed was with Mr Shatter two years ago. "You know, Taoiseach, having read it that the material jumps out at you,'' he added.

Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams said a credible and acceptable way of bringing "this chaotic episode to a conclusion'' would be to set up an independent inquiry as provided for under the 2004 Commission of Investigations Act