Kenny corrects Dáil record over Alan Shatter resignation

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has acceded to requests by former Justice Minister Alan Shatter to correct the Dáil record relating his resignation.

Mr Shatter complained the Taoiseach wrongly told TDs that he accepted responsibility for criticisms made in the Guerin Report.

The former justice minister issued a call for the record to be corrected in the wake of the final report of the O’Higgins commission, widely seen to have vindicated him.

The release of the highly critical report by barrister Séan Guerin SCcontributed to Mr Shatter’s resignation in 2014.

Speaking in the Dáil yesterday, Mr Kenny said: “As the House is aware, the former Minister for Justice and Equality, Mr. Alan Shatter, resigned following publication of the Guerin report in 2014.

“I am very pleased to acknowledge that the O’Higgins report has found clearly that the former Minister acted properly at all times in relation to the handling of allegations made by Maurice McCabe.

“In response to a request from the former Minister, I would also like to take the opportunity to correct the Dáil record of 7 May 2014.

“I am happy to state on the record that the former Minister, in resigning, did not in fact accept responsibility for criticism made in the Guerin report of the adequacy of the Department and Minister for Justice and Equality in responding to allegations made by Sergeant McCabe.

“The former Minister set out his reasons clearly in his letter of resignation.”