Gardaí seize phone of Dublin publican amid Leo Varadkar leak inquiry

Dr Maitiú Ó Tuathail received a confidential Government document from Varadkar in 2019.

Gardaí have seized the phone of a Dublin publican amid ongoing investigations into Tánaiste Leo Varadkar’s leaking of a confidential document in 2019.

The phone was seized under warrant due to text messages sent by Dr Maitiú Ó Tuathail as the investigation is reportedly "widening", The Times reported on Thursday.

According to the The Times, the messages make specific reference to a social media post which Varadkar shared on Twitter about a fundraising event, as well as Varadkar’s attendance at a barbecue.

Ó Tuathail, who is said to be friends with the now Tánaiste, has previously described the contents of the text messages as jokes between friends.

The Tánaiste is under investigation over his leaking of a confidential copy of a document outlining the details of the Government’s proposed GP contract with the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) to Dr Ó Tuathail in 2019. Dr Ó Tuathail was the head of an IMO rival organisation, the National Association of General Practitioners, at the time. Varadkar was questioned by Gardaí for several hours at a Dublin Garda station on 9 April, and his phone was examined as part of the inquiry. Dr Ó Tuathail also met Gardaí on 5 April and provided a voluntary statement. The news comes as Web Summit Founder Paddy Cosgrave was interviewed by Gardaí in relation to the investigation on Wednesday. A number of others have also been interviewed or provided statements in relation to the case in recent weeks, including former Fine Gael TD Kate O’Connell, Fine Gael TD Bernard Durkan, healthcare entrepreneur Chay Bowes and former Health Minister Simon Harris. When asked for comment, a Gardaí spokesperson told JOE.ie: "This matter remains under investigation. The investigation file is not yet completed. "An Garda Síochána does not provide specific ongoing comment on ongoing investigations."