Shatter insists he has confidence in all of his staff

Justice Minister Alan Shatter has said he has confidence in all of his staff ahead of the Commission of Investigation into the Garda tapes.

While declining to answer questions about the role of secretary general at the Department of Justice, Brian Purcell, in the handling of communications about the matter, Mr Shatter said he had confidence in every staff member and that the commission would deal with any issues that arose.

The minister was speaking after addressing members of the Association of Garda Superintendents at their annual delegate conference in Co Kildare.