GSOC report on Ian Bailey probe due

A mammoth GSOC inquiry report regarding the Garda investigation into Ian Bailey could be published as early as this week.

The prospect would be a double blow to An Garda Síochána, and to embattled Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan, as the report of the Fennelly inquiry into the recording of phone calls at Garda stations is also likely to be published this week.

Separate to these damaging reports for the gardaí, it has also emerged that the Garda Ombudsman is conducting 24 public interest investigations, the biggest number in its history.