Independent report on Martin Callinan scandal due Monday

A long-awaited independent investigation into the retirement of Garda commissioner Martin Callinan will be given to Taoiseach Enda Kenny on Monday.

The interim report of the Fennelly commission into the political scandal — which led to accusations that Mr Kenny effectively sacked the Garda chief — was completed this week, meaning its publication is imminent.

The report, a sub-section of a wider investigation into alleged Garda station phone recordings, was drawn up by Mr Justice Nial Fennelly after Mr Callinan’s sudden retirement in early 2014 over the penalty points saga.

The then Department of Justice secretary general Brian Purcell was sent to Mr Callinan’s home on March 24, 2014, to voice the Taoiseach’s concern personally, but Mr Kenny insists the retirement was the Garda commissioner’s decision.

A Taoiseach cannot sack a Garda commissioner without cabinet agreement, a move that was not sought and which opposition parties insist potentially puts Mr Kenny’s own position under threat.

A Governnent spokesperson declined to comment last night.