Rebecca Black, PA
Updated: 7.50pm
A body representing garda members has called for an external investigation to be carried out after an investigator with the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) resigned after he is understood to have told people he had attended a party where Gerry 'the Monk' Hutch was also present.
The gathering was held on Monday after Mr Hutch was found not guilty of the murder of David Byrne, who was shot dead at the Regency Hotel on February 5th, 2016.
GSOC has confirmed an internal investigation into the matter has been launched.
The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) has now called for an external investigation to be carried out, with the group's general secretary Antoinette Cunningham stressing it is important the public can have confidence in the garda watchdog.
"For us in AGSI, we are very clear that if there is a suggestion that in any way they may have been compromised by this matter, then for us, for the utmost restoration of public trust and confidence, the only way to examine this is to have it fully investigated externally," Ms Cunningham told Newstalk.
Earlier, Minister for Justice Simon Harris said the revelations were a “serious matter which needs to be investigated”.
In a statement, Mr Harris added that he has requested a report from GSOC.
“This is a serious matter which needs to be investigated. That investigation is being considered by GSOC, so it would not be appropriate for me to comment on it at this time,” he said.
“I have requested a report from the chairperson of GSOC, which I expect to receive in the coming days.
“I will say that GSOC has a vital role in upholding confidence in policing in Ireland, and it is incredibly important that public confidence in GSOC be maintained.”
Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien earlier told RTÉ it was a single matter which had been dealt with, adding he did not believe it would have a “contagion effect”.
“I don’t think we can read into that it goes any further,” he said.
The Minister said GSOC has a very important role, adding it has the full support of the Government.
