Government aware AG was giving private legal advice when appointed, says Varadkar

Paul Gallagher is advising former directors of Independent News & Media (INM) who are engaged with High Court inspectors

Fine Gael Leader Leo Varadkar, said: "I'm absolutely certain that the Attorney General will be very careful to avoid any conflict of interest or any perception of conflict of interest."

The Government was aware that the Attorney General was giving legal advice in a private capacity when he was appointed.

Social Democrats co-leader Roisin Shortall raised the issue with Tánaiste Leo Varadkar today, saying that it was "extraordinary" that Paul Gallagher was advising former directors of Independent News & Media (INM) who are engaged with High Court inspectors. The inspectors were appointed following a request from the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE), an agency under Mr Varadkar's Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.