The Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, has expressed concern about the finding by the Court of Criminal Appeal that there was a miscarriage of justice in the case involving Frank Shortt and some Donegal gardaí.
A spokesperson said Mr McDowell was "clearly concerned" about the judgment and its implications. However, he could not comment further until he had read the lengthy judgment in full.
Supt John Farrelly, of the Garda Press Office, said the force accepted the judgment handed down by the court. "We'll be studying it in full and looking at its implications," he said.
The office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr James Hamilton, said he was precluded from commenting on individual cases. "We cannot confirm what may or may not happen as a result of this judgment," an official said.
Fine Gael called on Mr McDowell to outline what steps he intends to take to protect the integrity of the Garda Síochána.
The party's justice spokesman, Mr John Deasy, said the court's finding that two Garda witnesses had invented evidence was "deeply disturbing". It was essential that the entire force did not suffer as a result.
The Labour Party called for a full criminal investigation, with a file to be sent to the DPP.
Mr Joe Costello TD said the court's findings were among the most serious criticisms ever levelled against gardaí by a court. "It is difficult to contemplate a more serious allegation against gardaí, of up to the rank of superintendent, that they deliberately invented evidence and concealed that fact," he said. Coming on top of other recent high-profile cases, the comments of the court would only serve to undermine further public confidence in the force. Mr Costello said there was "a compelling case" for institutional reform of the Garda, including the setting up of a Garda ombudsman and an independent Garda authority.
"Everyone acknowledges that the gardaí are involved in continuing battles against ruthless criminal and paramilitary gangs and in making these criticisms it is only proper to acknowledge that the vast majority of members of the force operate properly and within the law at all times.
"However, attempts at short cuts to justice are never acceptable and run the risk of a miscarriage of justice - as has happened on this occasion," said Mr Costello.
