Purcell faces TD probe on Callinan resignation

The head of the Department of Justice faces questions from TDs today about his role in the controversial resignation of Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan as well as the handling of serious allegations against the force.

Department secretary general Brian Purcell will appear before the Oireachtas Justice Committee, the members of which have refused a request to restrict their questioning to the top civil servant.

The committee will also hear from acting garda commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan, following a number of recent scandals that hit the force.