THE story broke in The Sunday Times on February 9. In a security sweep the previous autumn, it had been discovered that there were three potential security breaches of communication systems in the office of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, located on Dublin’s Capel St.

An Oireachtas committee probing the GSOC crisis has expressed “alarm” at Alan Shatter’s failure to back up his Dáil statement that the ombudsman’s office was not bugged.

Justice Minister Alan Shatter has said there was “nothing to indicate” gardaí were engaged in surveillance of the Garda Ombudsman at the time the watchdog set up an inquiry to investigate if members were involved.

So, who’s screwed now, Mr Shatter?

The British company which carried out the security sweep at the offices of the Garda Ombudsman yesterday said it stood by its findings. Verrimus said it “welcomed the opportunity” to discuss its investigation with the High Court judge if it was so requested.