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06th Jul 2022

Leo Varadkar will not be prosecuted over GP contract leak

Stephen Porzio

Gardaí confirmed the news on Wednesday evening.

It has been confirmed that Tánaiste Leo Varadkar will not be facing prosecution after a probe into his sending of a report to GP Maitiú Ó Tuathail in 2019.

In April of this year, Gardaí submitted a file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) on their investigation into the leak.

Now, on Wednesday (6 July), a Garda spokesperson confirmed to JOE that the DPP will not be pressing charges against anyone involved in the probe.

“Following a Garda investigation, a comprehensive investigation file was submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

“The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed no prosecution against any individual in this investigation.

“An Garda Síochána has no further comment.”

An article in Village Magazine alleged that Varadkar, then Taoiseach, passed on a confidential agreement with the Irish Medical Organisation to Ó Tuathail, who was the head of the National Association of General Practitioners (NAGP).

While the Tánaiste has apologised for his actions – including in the Dáil which voted confidence in him – he has repeatedly stated he committed no offence.

On Wednesday, following the news of the DPP’s decision, the Tánaiste issued the following statement:

“I was informed this evening by my solicitor that the DPP has determined that I have no case to answer in relation to my disclosure of a document to the president of the NAGP in 2019.

“I have always maintained that the allegations made against me were false. I am pleased at the outcome of what was a very thorough investigation.

“I want to thank the Taoiseach, Minister Ryan, my Fine Gael party colleagues, my party, my staff, my partner and my family for their faith, trust and confidence in me during what was a difficult period for us all.

“I will issue a full statement in due course.”

Main image via Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie

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