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Hayes welcomes Cooke report findings

Tipperary Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Tom Hayes TD has welcomed the findings of the Cooke report which has found that there was no bugging by an Garda Siochana of the GSOC offices in Dublin.

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Speaking following the release of the report, Minister of State Hayes said, ‘This report validates not only Gardai but also former Justice Minister Alan Shatter, who received an onslaught of criticism when claims were made that GSOC offices had been bugged.’

He added, ‘The report does though highlight the strained relationship between GSOC and the Gardai which is something we must resolve.’

He finished by saying, ‘Now that the Cooke report has conclusively found that there is no evidence of bugging of GSOC offices I think it is wrong that accusations are still being made even today. FF’s Niall Collins has made comments today which are not helpful and even GSOC chairman Simon O’Brien has said that he still believes that some bugging took place.’

‘All involved  need to accept the findings of the Cooke report and now move towards improving the relationship between GSOC and members of the Gardai.’