“Due process has to be followed here.”
Micheál Martin has refused to comment on Gardaí sending a file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) on their investigation into Tánaiste Leo Varadkar’s sending of a report to GP Maitiú Ó Tuathail in 2019.
The Taoiseach spoke about the ongoing investigation on Sunday (24 April).
“I’ve been consistent on this from the outset that due process is important for every individual in the country, whether you’re a politician or not,” Martin said.
“Due process has to be followed here, and the presumption of innocence in respect of any complaints that are made to the Gardaí for pursuit and then on to the DPP.
“As far as I’m concerned, it’s with the DPP now and it’s inappropriate to comment given the independence of the DPP.”
On gardaí submitting a file to the DPP in the investigation into the disclosure of a confidential Government document to a friend of Tánaiste Leo Varadkar in 2019, Taoiseach @MichealMartinTD says "as far as I'm concerned it's with the DPP now and it's inappropriate to comment" pic.twitter.com/6P0BFIp6tH
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) April 24, 2022
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.
A Garda spokesperson told JOE on Saturday (23 April) that the investigation file has been passed on to the DPP for its consideration.
“An Garda Síochána can confirm that an investigation file on this matter has been submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution for its consideration,” the spokesperson said.
“As this matter is now for consideration by the Office of the DPP, An Garda Síochána will not be commenting any further.”
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.
“No fair minded person will question my motivation or integrity,” Varadkar said in the Dáil last year.
“It was an error, and one I take sole responsibility for.
“I do regret it, I am sorry for the controversy that has been caused.”
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