Update: Garda Commissioner 'not privy to' alleged Garda whistleblower smears

Update: 3.10pm Garda Commissioner Noirin O’Sullivan has denied any knowledge of any actions to smear Garda whistleblowers, saying she "would condemn any such action".

An Garda Síochána have released a statement saying: "Regarding recent media reports, Commissioner O’Sullivan would like to make it clear that she was not privy to nor approved of any action designed to target any Garda employee who may have made a protected disclosure and would condemn any such action.