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

I emphasise that it is my understanding that it is an internal Garda working group and that the Attorney General does not have an official on it. I hope the Deputy will ensure he passes that information on to Deputy Gerry Adams who had left the Chamber before I made the correction earlier. This is a complicated issue as it is, without some inadvertent piece of information giving rise to another controversy.

As to what impact this might have on litigation, I have to be very careful what I say about this matter. Where there is pending litigation, be it criminal or civil, I dare not say anything that could prejudice its outcome. Those who are before the courts or engaged in litigation will receive appropriate legal advice on its implications. I do not know the extent of the litigation. I do not know what material is included in these tapes. I am aware, from advice given, that there is material of great importance and relevance to one particular case. The focus on that case and the work done arising from it have set the alarm bells ringing - if that is a reasonable way of putting it.

As the Taoiseach told the House, there are approximately 2,500 tapes. As part of the commission of inquiry that will take place, these tapes will have to be transcribed to ascertain the importance or otherwise of the information on them. That will not be an easy exercise and obviously will take some time. Then there is the question of what might have been digitally recorded and what might be on an old-fashioned taping system.

There are many issues on which I, the Taoiseach and the Government, as well as all Members, require clarity. However, I do not have that information. I assume the work being done within the Garda force will give us greater clarity as to whether there are additional tapes, on how the digital recording system worked and exactly which Garda stations are affected.

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