Tanaiste launches full investigation into smear campaign of Garda whistleblowers

The Cabinet's agreed there should be a full commission of investigation into claims of a smear campaign against Garda whistleblowers.

The Tánaiste and Justice Minister's confirmed it'll be led by Supreme Court judge Peter Charlton and will provide further details tomorrow. 

Frances Fitzgerald confirmed she's accepted the recommendations and terms of reference for the inquiry in full as suggested by retired judge Iarfhlaith O'Neill who carried out a scoping inquiry. 

She's refused to say if Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan or any other senior officer will be asked to step aside while the inquiry takes place. 

The Tánaiste says she's restricted on what she can say by the whistleblowers legislation: 

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