Probe into garda tapes to cost at least €2m

An inquiry into the recording of phone calls at Garda stations will cost at least €2m and could cost much more if it does not complete its work by the end of the year.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the final costs “are difficult to estimate at this stage” because it “may be deemed necessary” to extend the Commission of Investigation’s work beyond its December 31 deadline.

Its chairman, retired Judge Nial Fennelly, will be paid the rate of a Supreme Court judge — €219,191 a year — for the duration of its work. The commission will have other staff and set-up costs, as well as technology, travel, subsistence, and outside expertise.

Based on an initial assessment, he said €2m is a “reasonable estimate” but that “the exact requirements” will become clearer once the commission is established and begins to scope out its work in more detail.

The Dáil approved the terms of reference for the inquiry, after rejecting an amendment proposed by Fianna Fáil that would require it to report on a modular basis to allow political issues be dealt with first.

Fianna Fáil’s spokesman on Justice, Niall Collins, said it was a “disgrace” that the public will have to wait a year for answers to questions that the Taoiseach and the justice minister should have given. He asked Mr Kenny to explain why the issue of phone taping — which was going on for 30 years — “suddenly” became “the catalyst which pushed Martin Callinan over the edge or allowed you to throw him under the bus”.

Sinn Féin TD Pádraig Mac Lochlainn said the Government had “kicked to touch” questions surrounding the resignation of Mr Callinan. “It could take two years before we hear what happened and how the Garda commissioner came to issue his letter of retirement to Government,” he said.

Mr Kenny said it would be a matter for Mr Fennelly to decide when he would look at each of the items in the terms of reference.

The Dáil also heard calls for a separate inquiry into the handling of the investigation into the death of Sophie Toscan du Plantier.

The Fennelly Inquiry will look into the recording of phone calls “and any other acts or events in the course of the said Garda investigation” which might disclose evidence of unlawful or improper conduct by gardaí.

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said it was time that investigation was “subject to the light of public scrutiny” because there are “too many unanswered questions; too much innuendo”.

A Government spokesman has confirmed two separate inquiries into matters involving the gardaí will be completed this month.

But a report by Seán Geurin into a range of allegations of malpractice, is not likely to be published by Easter as promised.