Purcell will not answer questions on Callinan exit

Department of Justice secretary general Brian Purcell is refusing to answer questions about the recent controversial resignation of the Garda commissioner as his future as department chief hangs in the air.

Mr Purcell’s refusal to TDs yesterday came after the Cabinet ordered a review of his department as well as a separate one on the management issues in the gardaí.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald announced several measures in response to last week’s critical Guerin report which highlighted failings by gardaí and the Department of Justice responding to allegations against the force.