Shatter fails to defend illegal disclosure of Wallace details

Justice Minister, Alan Shatter unsuccessfully attempted to defend his disclosure on live television of personal information about Independent TD, Mick Wallace on the grounds of "freedom of expression".

Responding in writing to a formal complaint to the Data Commissioner by Deputy Wallace, Minister Shatter also tried to justify his comments on Prime Time on the grounds that he has a right to disclose such data in the pursuit of his "legitimate interests" such as in the defence of the Garda Síochána’s management of the penalty points system.

The Minister was told verbally by the former Garda Commissioner, Martin Callinan that Deputy Wallace had been stopped by gardaí for using his mobile phone while driving and then later unexpectedly raised the issue in a live television debate with the Wicklow TD.