Gardaí investigating how information on an investigation became public

Gardai have said they are examining how information connected to an on-going investigation entered the public domain.

Gardaí have said they are examining how information connected to an on-going investigation entered the public domain.

A statement from the Gardaí this afternoon comes just hours after former Minister Pat Carey announced he was stepping down as Director of Elections for Fianna Fail.

Mr Carey said he does not know if allegations about sexual abuse carried in a national newspaper this week relate to him.

Given the unfounded speculation that has arisen, Mr Carey is resigning with a heavy heart.

Meanwhile, the Renua Leader Lucinda Creighton said she believes the Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald should launch an inquiry into how claims of alleged sexual abuse were leaked to the media.

The Justice Minister has said she is concerned that information about garda investigations has been leaked to the media.

While Frances Fitzgerald didn’t want to comment on particular cases, she said the matter was being investigated.

"Operational matters are fully in the remit of the Garda Síochana and the Commissioner and that is how it should be."

"In relation to your question, the Gardaí are investigating obviously information getting into the media recently and of course I am concerned because it is extremely important that all proper procedures are followed."