SF: Tax evasion whistleblower had contacted superiors before PAC

Sinn Féin claim the whistleblower at the centre of tax evasion allegations went to the PAC as a last resort.

Mary Lou McDonald says the civil cervant from Minister Richard Bruton's department had already tried to notifiy his superiors about alleged tax evasion by politicians.

There have been repeated calls for an inquiry since the claims came to light, however Minister Bruton says the issues have already been probed by the Gardaí, the Revenue Commissioners, the Director of Corporate Enforcement and two tribunals.

He says the case now rests with the Director of Public Prosecutions to pursue if she sees fit.

But Deputy McDonald wants to know why the whistleblower felt the need to go to the PAC.

She said: "The whistleblower had made several efforts to bring this matter to the attention of his (Richard Bruton) superiors. The whistleblower came to the Public Accounts Committee, I suppose, as a last resort.

"So I think what the Taoiseach needs to clarify the contact between the whistleblower and members of his government."