Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I was summarising for the Dáil the three threats, GSOC’s conclusions on them as I was advised of them, and the ultimate outcome of GSOC’s investigation. I thought that was the correct and appropriate way to proceed. It was certainly not my intention to mislead anyone. Why would I do so? GSOC was coming to this committee the following day at which any issues of relevance would be discussed. After GSOC presentation, I took the decision that it was important that members of the committee receive the briefs I received so they would be aware of what was in them. There was no intention of playing down or misleading. My role and job was to set out in summary form what I was told, to detail GSOC’s conclusions and that is what I tried to do as best I could.