Report on Martin Callinan’s Garda exit due in March

The inquiry into the resignation of former Garda commissioner Martin Callinan will finish its report at the end of March.

Gardaí and politicians — including the Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin — have been interviewed by the commission of investigation, which is headed up by the retired judge, Nial Fennelly.

A statement from the inquiry said: “The commission is hoping to complete its interim report by the end of March 2015. Publication is a matter for the Government.”

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said last week that the interim report would be published in the “not too distant future”.

Mystery surrounds what role Mr Kenny had in the resignation and what he told Brian Purcell, the head of the Department of Justice, when he sent him to Mr Callinan’s home the night before the latter resigned.

Mr Kenny says the visit was to express concern about the taping of phone calls in Garda stations, a matter the inquiry is also investigating.

However, Garda union chiefs claim Mr Callinan was effectively “removed from office”, while Mr Martin says he was sacked.

Mr Martin confirmed he had been interviewed. This was on the back of the Opposition leaders’ private meeting with Mr Kenny, immediately after the Garda chief quit.

He said his view is that Mr Callinan was forced to “fall on his sword”.

Meanwhile, senior garda sources confirmed that Mr Callinan has been interviewed by the commission as has his successor, Nóirín O’Sullivan.