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.

Alan Shatter and Leo Varadkar (File photo) Eamonn Farrell/Photocall Ireland
On the defence

Leo Varadkar: Mick Wallace broke a much more serious law than Alan Shatter

The Transport Minister has defended his Cabinet colleague after the Data Protection Commissioner found that he broke the law by revealing information about Wallace on live television.

Updated 3pm 

LEO VARADKAR HAS played down the controversy surrounding Cabinet colleague Alan Shatter after the Data Protection Commissioner found the Justice Minister broke the law by revealing information about independent TD Mick Wallace on live TV a year ago.

The Transport Minister said today that Shatter admitted that he was wrong and apologised for it, but said that Wallace “has broken the law himself and a much more serious law”.

Varadkar was referring to Wallace’s construction company under-declaring VAT of €1.4 million resulting in a €2.13 million settlement with the Revenue Commissioners in 2012.

“I think it’s a bit hard to stomach seeing Mick Wallace presenting himself as some sort of a victim,” Varadkar said today.

“He’s a deputy I like a lot on a personal level, but let’s not forget that he’s somebody who has broken the law himself and a much more serious law. He broke our tax laws.”

Varadkar said that Wallace should be “man enough now to accept the apology” from Shatter.

Those comments were echoed by Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore today who said that Wallace should accept Shatter’s apology, saying “that’s what people do in these situations”.

The Minister apologised in the Dáil last May after he claimed in a Prime Time debate with Wallace that the Wexford deputy had been been stopped and cautioned by gardaí for using his mobile phone while driving.

Shatter received the information from the then Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan. The DPC found that the Fine Gael TD broke the law but did not commit an offence under existing data protection legislation.

Varadkar, who was speaking at the launch of a Coca Cola-funded sports grant scheme, continued: “I think in this circumstance, he’s broken the law, he’s admitted what he did was wrong, he apologised for it. It’s not an offence, there’s no fine or custodial sentence attached to it.

The Minister insisted that the issue is not being raised on the doors and added that he “absolutely” has confidence in Shatter.

Meanwhile, Wallace has said in a statement this afternoon that he hopes Shatter will accept the findings of the Data Protection Commissioner “in order to avoid further damaging the dignity and integrity of his office”.

Read: Mick Wallace is seeking legal advice on Shatter’s data protection breach

More: Taoiseach and Tánaiste have confidence in Shatter despite Data Commissioner finding

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Your Voice
Readers Comments
139
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds