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

It is my understanding that all of the issues raised by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission in respect of dealing with informants and the retention of contemporaneous notes are addressed. Indeed, they were addressed some time ago. The reports of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission on some of these matters deal with events which took place a number of years ago. I am advised that the issues relating to informants are fully addressed. The recent particular issue that arose was in respect of the ongoing difficulties, as alleged by the Commission, with regard to the receipt of information and co-operation from the Garda side in dealing with inquiries that were made. I hope the very comprehensive new protocols that have been put in place will put that issue to bed. There is now in place a very clear roadmap that has been agreed between both sides to ensure no confusion or difficulty can arise in the future. The arrangement I put in place seeks to ensure that if any difficulty emerges unexpectedly, it is dealt with immediately. There is a basis for it being resolved in order that it does not prove to be a continuous source of concern.

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