LATEST: Taoiseach offers full apology to Maurice McCabe

Latest: It is understood the Independent Alliance wants an external audit of the Gardaí in the wake of the whistleblower controversy.

Update 7.40pm: The Taoiseach has offered the garda whistleblower Garda Sergeant Maurice McCabe a full apology for the way he has been treated.

Enda Kenny made the move at the start of a debate on a motion of confidence in the Government tonight.