Cabinet to decide on key Garda issues

The Cabinet is expected to advance two of the biggest developments in policing in the history of the State when it meets in Dublin this morning.

Ministers will decide the terms of reference for the Fennelly Inquiry into recordings at Garda stations, which a number of Ministers said will examine "all relevant" matters – indicating they could include the resignation of Martin Callinan as Garda Commissioner.

The Cabinet will also settle on a timeline for the transfer of oversight of the Gardaí to the new independent authority, a move which will be overseen by the new Justice SubCommittee.

The aim of the new Authority is to protect the "credibility" of the Garda force, and improve its transparency.