McDowell promises inquiry into QuinnDirect claims

The Tánaiste and Justice Minister Michael McDowell has promised that a full investigation will be carried out into claims of collusion between insurance companies and certain gardaí.

Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy has already appointed a senior officer to investigate newspaper reports that some gardaí provided confidential information to QuinnDirect about traffic accidents.

Asked about the matter in the Dáil today, Mr McDowell said the allegations were of the "utmost gravity" and, if true, pointed to a serious scandal.

He said the claims would be fully investigated to see if any gardaí had abused their positions.