Ministers To Debate Garda Recordings

Ministers to debate garda recordings

The Cabinet is expected to advance two of the biggest developments in policing in the history of the State when it meets in Dublin this morning. Ministers will decide the terms of reference for the Fennelly Inquiry into recordings at Garda stations - and also discuss the new independent authority to oversee the force. Terms for the investigation into the Garda Tapes will be decided and - it's understood a probe of illegal recordings made at prisons could now be included. A number of Ministers say the investigation will examine "all relevant" matters - and that could also include the resignation of former Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan. They Cabinet will also settle on a timeline for the transfer of oversight of the Gardaí to the new independent authority. That move will be overseen by the new Justice SubCommittee. That Committee includes the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Attorney General - as well as Justice Minister Alan Shatter - whose own powers could be reduced by the move. The aim of the new Authority is to protect the "credibility" of the Garda force - and improve its transparency. Its powers are expected to include approving promotions of senior Gardaí and holding the new Commissioner to account.