The confirmation of widespread breaches in the quashing of penalty points by the force has renewed calls for an apology to be made to Garda whistle-blowers after their claims were vindicated.

Justice Minister Alan Shatter is expected to come under renewed pressure to apologise to two Garda whistleblowers after a “damning” Garda Inspectorate report criticises the cancellation of penalty points by members of the force.

Justice Minister Alan Shatter has received the Garda Inspectorate report into the operation of the penalty points system.

The Garda Inspectorate is to examine the shooting of an armed man who barricaded himself in his home in Gort, Co Galway, for almost a day.

Chief Inspector Kathleen O’Toole tonight moved to quell media speculation that she believes gardaí should carry guns

The new Head of the Garda Inspectorate has said it is important that the force learns lessons from the killing of John Carthy in Abbeylara, Co Longford, six years ago.