Higgins to meet Morris tribunal for discussions

Fine Gael Senator, Jim Higgins, is set to meet the Morris Tribunal later today for discussions, which could have serious implications for Oireachtas confidentiality.

The tribunal is seeking to establish the source of damning evidence given to Mr Higgins and Labour TD, Brendan Howlin, in June 2000, which implicates certain gardaí in Donegal in the McBrearty affair.

This meeting today could determine whether members of the Oireachtas should or should not give confidential evidence to a tribunal.

Senator Higgins and Deputy Howlin were both given confidential information three years ago regarding the McBrearty affair. They passed this on to the then Minister for Justice, John O'Donoghue. He in turn alerted the Garda Commissioner, Pat Byrne.

The gardaí, meanwhile, are seeking to examine the phone records of Jim Higgins and Brendan Howlin to establish the source of the damning information.

Senator Jim Higgins says if the gardaí get their way on this one no one will ever be willing to pass on information about wrong doing in the public services.