Shatter: ‘My officials did not tell me about letter’

The justice minister said it was “unfortunate” that his department officials did not inform him of a letter relating to the recording of phone calls at Garda stations until two weeks after they received it.

Alan Shatter told the Dáil he first became aware of the practice, which is to be the subject of an inquiry, on Monday evening when he returned from a St Patrick’s Day visit to Mexico. However, he confirmed that the attorney general was informed about it on November 11 last, and officials in his department were first informed a month ago, on February 28.

Labour ministers rowed in behind Mr Shatter last night, saying that while it was “surprising” that his officials did not tell him, they accepted his explanation of events.