Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Leo Varadkar survived a motion of no confidence in the Dáil on the leaking in 2020.
Investigation

Garda file on leaking of GP contract by Tánaiste sent to Director of Public Prosecutions

The issue was upgraded to a criminal investigation in March 2021.

A FILE REGARDING the leaking of a GP contract by Leo Varadkar been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who will make a decision whether or not to proceed with a charge against the Tánaiste.

Gardaí confirmed this afternoon that “an investigation file” has been sent for consideration to the DPP, which took place while Varadkar was taoiseach in 2019. 

A spokesperson for the Tánaiste said that he was aware the investigation was over.

“The Tanaiste is pleased that this matter is now moving on and is very confident the outcome will be in his favour,” the spokesperson said.

In November 2020, the Tánaiste survived a confidence motion in the Dáil over the matter but the lack of a conclusion to the investigation has meant it has remained a political issue. 

The matter was upgraded to a criminal investigation in March 2021.

It followed the revelation that Varadkar had sent a copy of an agreement between the government and the IMO to a rival GP group. 

He had sent the contract to GP Maitiú Ó Tuathail of the NAGP who he described as a friend but “not a close friend”

A Garda spokesman told the The Journal that it won’t be making further comment on the investigation beyond today’s news. 

He said: “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.

“As this matter is now for consideration by the Office of the DPP, An Garda Síochána will not be commenting any further.”