Department of Justice failed to examine ministers’ devices

The Department of Justice has admitted that officials never examined any private email or mobile phones belonging to ministers or their advisors during its search for files linked to the disclosures tribunal.

Acting Secretary General Oonagh McPhillips confirmed the failure to review the potentially key records despite saying that it has co-operated fully with the tribunal to date.

Speaking at the latest Dáil Public Accounts Committee meeting yesterday, Ms McPhillips said she and her department have at no time attempted to hide or conceal information which may be of interest to the ongoing inquiry into how Maurice McCabe was treated by the state.