Fianna Fáil Justice Spokesperson Niall Collins TD has called on Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Justice Minister Alan Shatter to schedule a press conference to take questions about recent controversies and address some of the many unanswered questions about the removal of Commissioner Martin Callinan, the presentation of the Garda Tapes controversy and the treatment of Garda whistleblowers.

The call came following briefings to this morning’s papers that the Commission of Inquiry would take at least 12 months to report.

Deputy Collins commented, “If the Government thinks that it can kick outstanding questions about its handling of this mess into the long grass of a year-long investigation, it is wrong. There is significant public disquiet about the removal of a Garda Commissioner and the appalling mishandling of a series of challenges facing the Gardaí. This needs to be dealt with now.

“Upon taking up office, this Government made great claims about a new emphasis on transparency and accountability, yet it runs from proper scrutiny every chance it gets.

“I am calling on the Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice to make themselves available this week for a full and proper press conference on the issues arising from recent weeks. An Garda Síochána and public trust in the administration of justice have been badly let down by the leadership of these two individuals. By making themselves available for open and honest questioning by the media, they might be able to begin to mitigate that failure.”