Fitzgerald used personal email account for Government business

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has told TDs that she has used her personal email account in relation to her Government role “on very rare occasions”.

Ms Fitzgerald was quizzed on her email arrangements in the Dáil following a high-profile row over Garda Commissioner Noirin O’Sullivan’s use of a personal address.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny and five other senior ministers have admitted doing the same, but stress they have stayed within official rules.

John Brady, Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, said: “Last month, there was widespread criticism of Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan for using a non-Garda email address to send and receive emails with sensitive information.

“However, what is just as concerning and serious is the fact that Minister for Justice and Equality and Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald has in fact done the same in her own role.

“In reply to my question, the Tánaiste said that she had used a personal email address in her own role. This admission is shocking and extremely concerning given Frances Fitzgerald’s role as both Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality.”

He added: “No Minister should be using any private unsecured email accounts for any official business whatsoever.

“The fact that the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach feel they can do this is extremely concerning and I would call on them to make a public statement on this matter urgently.”