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

In the context of the GSOC issue, a committee was also established, chaired by a senior official of my Department, with senior representatives from GSOC and the Garda Síochána, to act as a forum where any future emerging issues concerning the protocols can be identified and appropriately addressed.

The Government has appointed retired High Court judge, Mr. Justice John Cooke, to conduct an independent Inquiry into the reports of unlawful surveillance of GSOC. The terms of reference for the inquiry were agreed by the Government, on the advice of the Attorney General. They are available on the website of the Department of the Taoiseach. Mr. Justice Cooke has been asked to report on these matters within eight weeks or as soon as may be thereafter.

I expect there will be full co-operation from the Garda Síochána with the work being undertaken by Mr. Justice Cooke. The terms of reference facilitate that he may engage in any manner he deems appropriate with regard to reviewing these issues. It is for Mr. Justice Cooke to determine how to best proceed with the very important work he has been asked to undertake. It is not appropriate that I, as Minister for Justice and Equality, to comment further. The approach to be taken by him will be governed by the terms of reference.

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